Reconstructing a 3-dimensional image of the results of antinuclear antibody testing by indirect immunofluorescence.
Indirect immunofluorescence anti-nuclear antibody testing (IIF-ANAT) is an essential screening tool in the diagnosis of various autoimmune disorders. ANA titer quantification and interpretation of immunofluorescence patterns are determined subjectively, which is problematic. First, we determined the examination conditions under which IIF-ANAT fluorescence intensities are quantified. Next, IIF-ANAT was performed using homogeneous, discrete speckled, and mixed serum samples. Images were obtained using Bio Zero BZ-8000, and 3-dimensional images were reconstructed using the BZ analyzer software. In the 2-dimensional analysis, homogeneous ANAs hid the discrete speckled pattern, resulting in a diagnosis of homogeneous immunofluorescence. However, 3-dimensional analysis of the same sample showed discrete speckled-type ANA in the homogeneous background. This study strengthened the current IIF-ANAT method by providing a new approach to quantify the fluorescence intensity and enhance the resolution of IIF-ANAT fluorescence patterns. Reconstructed 3-dimensional imaging of IIF-ANAT can be a powerful tool for routine laboratory examination.
Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.
Ryosei
R
Murai
Koji
K
Yamada
Maki
M
Tanaka
Kageaki
K
Kuribayashi
Daisuke
D
Kobayashi
Naoki
N
Tsuji
Naoki
N
Watanabe
D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D019084:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013997:Time Factors
D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear