Clinical Immunology Laboratory:
The OMRF Clinical Immunology Laboratory, under the direction of Dr. Judith James and Myositis Director Dr. Ira Targoff, performs a variety of tests to identify autoantibodies for the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune and other diseases. On average, the Laboratory processes more than 300 samples per week. This national reference lab is CLIA-approved (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) and CAP-certified (College of American Pathologists). The most highly utilized test in the Laboratory is the Reichlin Profile, which was developed by OMRF pioneering scientist Dr. Morris Reichlin. The Morris Reichlin Clinical Lab also offers immunofluorescence, ANA with titer and pattern, anti-dsDNA by Crithidia, anti- extractable nuclear antibodies by double immunodiffusion.
Myositis Testing:
Some types of autoimmune disease attack the muscles of the body. The “myositis-specific antibodies” (MSA) can assist in the diagnosis of polymyositis and dermatomyositis in those patients who have the diseases. About 50% of patients with polymyositis or dermatomyositis have specific MSA or myositis associated antibodies (MAA). MSA are almost never found in patients without myositis, even if they have other muscle diseases of autoimmune diseases. This means that when the physician’s examination and initial testing suggest the possibility of polymyositis or dermatomyositis, a positive test for an MSA can be strong supporting evidence for the diagnosis.
For a long time the testing for these antibodies was only available in research studies, but it is now possible to obtain this testing clinically. The Myositis Profile* performed at the OMRF Clinical Immunology Laboratory includes tests for 12 of the MSAs and MAAs. Additional antibodies may be detectable using this profile. Dr. Ira Targoff is the consultant to the Clinical Immunology Laboratory regarding this testing. As with the Reichlin Profile for lupus, patients with a particular antibody may have distinctive clinical pictures with certain associated problems. Identifying certain antibodies can help characterize the condition more fully. Research continues in our lab, and others around the world, to determine the nature of the relationship between the various MSAs and polymyositis and dermatomyositis.
