Autoimmune diagnostics: the technology, the strategy and the clinical governance.
In recent years, there has been a profound change in autoimmune diagnostics. From long, tiring and inaccurate manual methods, the art of diagnostics has turned to modern, rapid and automated technology. New antibody tests have been developed, and almost all autoimmune diseases now have some specific diagnostic markers. The current need to make the most of available economic and human resources has led to the production of diagnostic algorithms and guidelines designated for optimal strategic use of the tests and to increase the diagnostic appropriateness. An important role in this scenario was assumed by the laboratory autoimmunologist, whose task is not only to govern the analytical phase, but also to help clinicians in correctly choosing the most suitable test for each clinical situation and provide consultancy support. In this review, we summarize recent advances in technology, describe the diagnostic strategies and highlight the current role of the laboratory autoimmunologist in the clinical governance of autoimmune diagnostics.
Laboratorio di Patologia Clinica, Ospedale San Antonio, Via Morgagni, 18, 33028, Tolmezzo, UD, Italy, nicola.bizzaro@ass3.sanita.fvg.it.
Nicola
N
Bizzaro
Renato
R
Tozzoli
Danilo
D
Villalta
D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000276:immunology; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology*; D057205:Automation, Laboratory; D054976:Clinical Governance; D006801:Humans; D007118:Immunoassay / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards
D001323:Autoantibodies