LabQ Clinical Exercise 4: Clinical Immunology: Autoantibody Testing: What’s in a Name?

Author:

Lisa K. Peterson, PhD 

University of Utah 

ARUP Laboratories     

Salt Lake City, Utah 

Primary Audience:

Phlebotomists, Laboratory Technologists, Laboratory Directors

Secondary Audience:

Pathologists, Clinical Scientists (Includes all sub-specialty areas), Students, Pathologist Assistants, Residents, and Students

Upon completion of this activity, you will be able to: 

·        discuss the role of anti-RNP antibodies in the diagnosis of mixed connective tissue disease; 

·        describe the differences that exist in reporting of anti-RNP antibody results; 

·        recognize gaps in the reporting of anti-RNP antibody results that may lead to confusion; and 

·        identify opportunities for improving anti-RNP antibody nomenclature.