Lupus band test

Lupus Band Test

The Lupus Band Test (pronounced: loo-pus band test) is a diagnostic procedure used in the field of Dermatology and Rheumatology to detect the presence of autoantibodies in the skin of patients suspected of having Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

Etymology

The term "Lupus" is derived from the Latin word for wolf, due to the characteristic rash associated with the disease which was thought to resemble a wolf's bite. The "Band Test" refers to the band-like pattern that appears when immunoglobulins are deposited in the skin.

Procedure

The Lupus Band Test involves taking a skin biopsy from both affected (lesional) and unaffected (non-lesional) areas of the patient's skin. These samples are then examined under a microscope after being stained with a fluorescent dye that binds to the autoantibodies. If a band of autoantibodies is found at the dermo-epidermal junction in the non-lesional skin, the test is considered positive.

Significance

A positive Lupus Band Test is highly suggestive of SLE, even in the absence of other clinical signs and symptoms. However, it is not definitive and must be interpreted in the context of the patient's overall clinical picture. The test can also be positive in other autoimmune diseases such as Dermatomyositis and Bullous Pemphigoid.

Related Terms

• Autoimmune Disease
• Dermatoimmunology
• Immunofluorescence
• Skin Biopsy

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Lupus band test
• Wikipedia's article - Lupus band test

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