Double Stranded DNA Ab
Private Double Stranded DNA Ab blood test in London for £85, measuring one lupus-associated autoantibody marker with results in around 3 business days.
Turnaround time
3 business days
Biomarkers count
1
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Overview of the Double Stranded DNA Ab
The Double Stranded DNA Ab blood test measures autoantibodies directed against double-stranded DNA, usually referred to as anti-dsDNA antibodies.
The test contains 1 biomarker: DNA (Double Stranded) Antibodies IgG.
Anti-dsDNA antibodies are strongly associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and are among the more specific autoantibodies used during lupus investigation.
The test is commonly requested after a positive antinuclear antibody result when symptoms and clinical findings raise suspicion of SLE.
A positive anti-dsDNA result can provide important supporting evidence for lupus, but it should not be interpreted as a diagnosis on its own.
Not every person with SLE has detectable anti-dsDNA antibodies.
A negative result therefore does not exclude lupus.
Anti-dsDNA concentrations can change over time and, in some patients, rising levels are associated with increasing lupus activity.
The association is particularly relevant to lupus nephritis, although antibody levels do not perfectly track disease activity in every person.
For established SLE, anti-dsDNA is therefore often interpreted alongside C3 and C4 complement, kidney function, urine protein, blood in the urine, Full Blood Count and clinical symptoms.
Different laboratories and anti-dsDNA assay methods can produce different numerical values and reference ranges.
Serial monitoring is most useful when results are interpreted using the laboratory method and the individual's previous baseline.
What Does the Double Stranded DNA Ab Test Check?
This test measures 1 biomarker.
DNA (Double Stranded) Antibodies IgG
Measures IgG autoantibodies directed against double-stranded DNA. These antibodies are strongly associated with systemic lupus erythematosus and may provide information about disease activity in some patients, particularly when lupus nephritis is a concern.
Who May Benefit From the Double Stranded DNA Ab Test?
This test may be suitable when SLE is clinically suspected or when a person with established lupus requires specialist monitoring.
People with a positive ANA and symptoms suggestive of lupus - Anti-dsDNA can add diagnostic specificity to a broader autoimmune assessment.
People with persistent inflammatory joint symptoms - Joint pain or swelling can occur in SLE, although these symptoms have many causes.
People with photosensitive or lupus-type skin rashes - Certain characteristic skin findings may prompt further autoimmune antibody testing.
People with recurrent unexplained mouth or nasal ulcers - Mucosal ulcers can occur as part of SLE.
People with kidney abnormalities and suspected autoimmune disease - Proteinuria, haematuria or declining kidney function may raise concern about lupus nephritis.
People with known SLE undergoing monitoring - Serial anti-dsDNA measurements can provide additional information about disease activity in selected patients.
People with previously elevated anti-dsDNA antibodies - Repeat testing may help assess whether the concentration is changing.
People with low complement levels and other lupus features - The combination of autoantibodies and complement abnormalities can provide useful clinical information.
People specifically referred for lupus investigation - The test can be arranged where a GP, rheumatologist or nephrologist has requested anti-dsDNA IgG.
How to Prepare
Do not stop lupus medication simply to obtain a higher antibody result.
When monitoring established SLE, trends in anti-dsDNA are generally most useful when interpreted alongside symptoms, complement levels and kidney or urine findings.
Symptoms and Reasons to Consider the Double Stranded DNA Ab Test
SLE is a systemic autoimmune condition that can affect several organs, so symptoms vary considerably between people.
Persistent joint pain or swelling - Inflammatory joint symptoms are common in SLE.
Photosensitive skin rash - Lupus rashes can worsen after exposure to ultraviolet light.
Butterfly-shaped facial rash - A malar rash can occur in SLE, although not everyone with lupus develops one.
Recurrent mouth or nasal ulcers - Painless or recurrent mucosal ulcers can form part of the clinical picture.
Unexplained fevers - Systemic autoimmune inflammation can produce recurrent fever after infection and other causes are excluded.
Chest pain associated with inflammation around the lungs or heart - Pleuritis or pericarditis can occur in lupus and requires clinical assessment.
Blood or protein detected in urine - Kidney involvement can occur with lupus nephritis and requires prompt investigation.
Unexplained swelling of the legs or around the eyes - Oedema can occur when kidney disease causes significant urinary protein loss.
Known lupus with a change in symptoms - Anti-dsDNA may be repeated alongside complement, urine and renal tests during evaluation of a possible flare.
These symptoms can occur with many autoimmune, infectious and other medical conditions and do not establish an SLE diagnosis.
A positive anti-dsDNA result is most meaningful when interpreted alongside ANA, symptoms and other classification features.
New significant protein or blood in the urine, rapidly increasing swelling, severe chest pain, neurological symptoms or serious systemic illness requires prompt medical assessment.
How to Book Your Double Stranded DNA Ab Test
Booking your Double Stranded DNA Ab test with London Blood Tests is straightforward.
Choose the Double Stranded DNA Ab
Select the test and review the included DNA (Double Stranded) Antibodies IgG biomarker.
Select your sample collection option
Choose an in-clinic blood draw (+£35) or a home or hotel phlebotomy visit (+£60).
Attend your appointment
A trained professional collects the required venous serum sample.
Laboratory analysis
Your serum is analysed for IgG antibodies directed against double-stranded DNA.
Receive your results securely
Your authorised result is delivered securely and can be reviewed with a GP, rheumatologist, nephrologist or other suitably qualified healthcare professional.
When Will I Receive My Results?
The expected turnaround time for the Double Stranded DNA Ab test is approximately 3 business days after your sample arrives at the laboratory.
Results are released once autoimmune serology analysis and laboratory authorisation are complete.
Additional review may occasionally extend reporting.
Understanding Your Results
A negative anti-dsDNA result means significant IgG antibodies against double-stranded DNA were not detected according to the assay used.
This makes anti-dsDNA-positive lupus less likely but does not exclude SLE.
Some people with established lupus never have detectable anti-dsDNA antibodies.
A positive result provides important supporting evidence for SLE when the clinical findings are compatible.
The higher the concentration, the more clinically relevant the result may be in the correct context, but one value cannot determine overall disease severity.
For people with known lupus, rising anti-dsDNA can sometimes precede or accompany increasing disease activity.
The relationship is particularly recognised in lupus nephritis, but it is not sufficiently reliable to use anti-dsDNA alone for treatment decisions.
C3 and C4 complement, urine protein, urinary sediment, creatinine and clinical symptoms often provide essential additional information.
Reference ranges differ significantly by assay, so results should be interpreted using the laboratory's own cut-offs rather than a universal numerical threshold.
Why Book With London Blood Tests?
Private anti-dsDNA testing in London - Access a key lupus-associated autoantibody privately.
One of the more specific SLE autoantibodies - Anti-dsDNA can add diagnostic information following a positive ANA and compatible symptoms.
Relevant to lupus monitoring - Serial measurements may provide useful additional information in established SLE.
Relevant to lupus nephritis assessment - Anti-dsDNA is often interpreted alongside complement and renal investigations when kidney involvement is a concern.
Targeted individual autoimmune marker - Measure anti-dsDNA without needing to book an entire autoimmune profile.
Specialist immunology analysis - Your sample is processed using dedicated autoimmune serology.
Clinic and home visit options - Professional phlebotomy can be arranged according to availability.
Secure results by email - Receive your authorised result securely.
Clear pricing before booking - The Double Stranded DNA Ab test costs £85.
Private Double Stranded DNA Ab Blood Test in London
London Blood Tests provides the Double Stranded DNA Ab blood test in London for people requiring investigation or monitoring of anti-dsDNA IgG.
The test costs £85 and measures one biomarker: DNA (Double Stranded) Antibodies IgG.
Anti-dsDNA is strongly associated with systemic lupus erythematosus but should not be interpreted independently.
A negative result does not exclude lupus, while a positive result requires correlation with ANA, symptoms and other autoimmune findings.
For people with established SLE, complement, kidney function and urine testing may be particularly important when disease activity is being assessed.
Results are expected approximately 3 business days after laboratory receipt.