Rapid detection of autoantibodies to dsDNA with the particle gel immunoassay (ID-PaGIA)

Objective: To describe a new particle agglutination test for the detection of autoantibodies to double stranded DNA (dsDNA). Patients and methods: Serum samples were collected from 40 unselected healthy blood donors and 200 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or a positive antinuclear antibody screen, or both. The samples were tested in the presence of red high density polystyrene particles coated with purified human dsDNA using the gel technique (Micro Typing System, ID-PaGIA, particle gel immunoassay). The results were compared with those obtained by the two standard anti-dsDNA antibody detection methods, Crithidia luciliae immunofluorescence test (CLIF) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The three anti-dsDNA assays exhibited an overall agreement of 87% and significant correlation with each other (p