The HEp-2 cell as target for multiparametric autoantibody analyses: automation and standardisation

作者：Hiemann Rico; Roggenbuck Dirk; Sack Ulrich; Anderer Ursula; Conrad Karsten^*

来源：Journal of Laboratory Medicine, 2011, 35(6): 351-361.

DOI：10.1515/JLM.2011.053

• autoantibodies
• automation
• HEp-2
• immunofluorescence

Analysis of autoantibodies (AABs) by indirect immunofluorescence (BF) remains the hallmark of diagnosing autoimmune diseases despite the introduction of multiplex techniques. Non-organ specific AABs are screened in routine diagnostics by IIF on HEp-2 cells. However, IIF results vary due to objective (e.g., cell fixation) and subjective factors (e.g., expert knowledge). Therefore, inter- and intralaboratory variance is relatively high. Standardisation of AAB testing by IIF remains a crucial issue in and between routine laboratories and may be improved by automated interpretation systems. A novel automated reading system provides fully automated reading of fluorescence images on HEp-2 cells and software algorithms for the mathematical description of AAB staining patterns. It can be used for screening and preclassification of non-organ specific AABs in routine diagnostics regarding systemic autoimmune and autoimmune liver diseases. More sophisticated pattern recognition algorithms and novel calibration systems will improve standardised quantifications of IIF image interpretation.

• 出版日期2011