Lab test · Immunology
Anti-dsDNA Antibody
Lupus (SLE) check
- Blood sample
- No fasting
- Report within 3 days
- Home collection
What this test is for
Lupus (SLE) check
This blood test measures antibodies against double-stranded DNA, the genetic material inside the cell nucleus. These antibodies are quite specific to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, or lupus), so a positive result strongly supports the diagnosis. It is usually ordered after a positive ANA test, and levels are sometimes followed over time because they can rise when lupus is active, particularly when it affects the kidneys.
Why a doctor may order it
- After a positive ANA test, to look more specifically for lupus
- Symptoms that suggest lupus, such as joint pain, rash, mouth ulcers or unexplained fever
- To help monitor disease activity in someone with known lupus
- When protein or blood in the urine raises concern about lupus affecting the kidneys
How to prepare
Fasting: Not needed.
You can eat and drink normally beforehand, without fasting. Keep taking your usual medicines, including any lupus treatment, unless your doctor says otherwise. If you have had this test before, bring the earlier report so the levels can be compared.
At home
- Sample
- Blood sample
- How it works
- The sample collector comes to your home and takes a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. The tube is sealed and labelled before it leaves your home, and the whole process takes a few minutes.
- Report
- Within 3 days of collection.
What the results can mean
A positive result supports a diagnosis of lupus, especially alongside a positive ANA and typical symptoms. A negative result does not rule lupus out, because not everyone with lupus has these antibodies. In people with known lupus, rising levels together with falling complement may suggest the disease is becoming more active. Your doctor will interpret the result alongside your symptoms and your urine and kidney tests.
What's included
One test: Anti-dsDNA Antibody, from one blood sample.
Related tests
- Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA)An ANA test looks for autoantibodies, which are antibodies that mistakenly target the nucleus of your own cells.
- Complement C3Complement C3 is one of a group of proteins in the blood that help the immune system fight infection and clear away damaged cells.
- Urine Routine Examination (Urine R/E)A urine routine examination, also called urinalysis, looks at your urine in three ways: its appearance, its chemistry (such as protein, sugar and acidity) and, under a microscope, any cells, crystals or bacteria.
- Kidney Function Test (RFT)A kidney function test, also called a renal function test (RFT), is a group of blood tests that show how well your kidneys are filtering waste from the blood.
- Urine Protein-Creatinine Ratio (PCR)This test measures the total protein and the creatinine in a single urine sample and compares them.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between ANA and anti-dsDNA?
ANA is a broad screening test that is positive in many autoimmune conditions and in some healthy people. Anti-dsDNA is much more specific to lupus, so it is used to narrow things down after a positive ANA.
Can I have lupus with a negative anti-dsDNA?
Yes. Many people with lupus test negative for anti-dsDNA. Your doctor uses symptoms, examination and other tests to make the diagnosis.
Why is anti-dsDNA linked to kidney problems?
High levels of anti-dsDNA are associated with lupus affecting the kidneys (lupus nephritis). If your levels are raised, your doctor may check your urine and kidney function regularly.
How much does a Anti-dsDNA test cost in Dhaka?
With Mukti Health the price is ৳910, and the sample is collected at your home in Dhaka. You see the price again before you confirm the booking in the Mukti Health app.
Can I do the Anti-dsDNA test at home in Dhaka?
Yes. Book it in the Mukti Health app and a trained sample collector comes to your home in Dhaka to take the blood sample. You do not need to go to a laboratory.
How long does the Anti-dsDNA report take?
The report is usually ready within 3 days of the sample being collected.