When myasthenia gravis is suspected, specific autoantibodies (AChR, MuSK, Lrp4) should not be searched as a profile, but the initial test is represented only by anti-AchR antibodies.
Since the three autoantibodies are mutually exclusive, it is not useful to simultaneously request the determination of all three antibodies, because about 80% of patients with myasthenia have only anti-AChR, 16% only anti-MuSK and the remaining 4% only anti-Lrp4...
Do not order the HEp-2 indirect immunofluorescence test for ANA (antibodies to cellular antigens) as a screening test in patients with suspected autoimmune myositis.
The use of ANA IIF as the sole screening method for MSA/MAA (Myositis-Specific Ab/Myositis-Associated Ab) is not recommended due to low sensitivity, very low specificity and/or lack of antigen expression by HEp-2 cells. Therefore, in case of clinical suspicion of...
In the case of autoimmune thyrotoxicosis / hyperthyroidism, anti-TPO and anti-Tg antibodies should not be sought; search instead for anti-TSHR antibodies (TRAb). Do not request anti-TPO (anti-thyroid peroxidase) and anti-Tg (anti-thyroglobulin) antibody tests in the monitoring of autoimmune thyroid disease.
In the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism, the research of anti-TPO and anti-Tg is widely requested as a first test, while the diagnostic antibody is the one directed towards the TSH receptor. The research of anti-TPO is useful only in case of negativity of TRAb (possible...
Do not forget to indicate in the patient health documentation (discharge letter or document for transfer to another healthcare facility) any positivity to alert microorganisms *
The indication of the positivity to alert microorganisms in the letter of discharge or in the transfer document to another healthcare facility represents an essential information to ensure the correct patient management both at home and in healthcare facility. The...The campaign DOING MORE DOES NOT MEAN DOING BETTER – CHOOSING WISELY ITALY is promoted by Italy’s Slow Medicine
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