Anti-Smith Antibody
Anti-Smith Antibody
The Anti-Smith antibody test is a diagnostic test that detects the presence of anti-Smith antibodies in your blood. Anti-Smith antibodies are autoantibodies (proteins) that are produced against Sm proteins (ribonucleic proteins present in all cells of the body) and react with components of the body’s normal tissues and organs. Anti-Smith antibody test helps in detecting and diagnosing systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE, a chronic inflammatory autoimmune condition. Higher levels of anti-Smith antibodies in the blood are an indication of a flare-up in lupus (sudden increase in disease symptoms).
Thus, getting your Anti–Smith antibody test is recommended to prevent various lupus-erythematosus-mediated complications such as reduced blood cell counts, constriction of blood vessels, pneumonia (fluid accumulation in lung tissues), etc
Symptoms of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Fever
Fatigue
Weight loss
Muscle or joint aches
Rashes
Recurrent sores
Hearing loss
Vision loss
Blood in urine
Abdominal pain
Cough
Numbness in different parts of the body
Chest pain
Skin rash (a butterfly rash)
Hair loss
Swollen lymph nodes
Who should get tested?
To determine whether autoimmune symptoms caused are related to systemic lupus erythematosus or not
To detect the level of Anti-Smith antibodies in the blood
To monitor an effective treatment plan for systemic lupus erythematosus
Test preparation
No preparation is required for the Anti-Smith antibody test. You need to provide a proper medical history to your healthcare provider before undergoing this test
Interpretation of the Test Results
The test result may come as positive or negative.
Positive result
If your test results were positive, it indicates the presence of the Anti-Smith antibodies in your blood. A positive Anti-Smith antibody test indicates that the individual is more likely to have an autoimmune systemic lupus erythematosus.
Negative result
If your test results were negative, it indicates the absence of the Anti-Smith antibodies in your blood. It means that you are less likely to have an autoimmune systemic lupus erythematosus.
FAQs
How is the Anti-Smith antibody test performed?
A blood sample is used for this test. Blood is drawn with a needle from a vein in your hand or arm. The collected sample is then sent to the laboratory for analysis
Is there any risk involved with Anti-Smith antibody test?
The Anti-Smith Antibody test is a simple blood test procedure. When the needle pricks your arm or hand, you might experience a mild sting or pain. The area could be painful thereafter. Sometimes bruising, bleeding, infections, and dizziness may occur around the site of needle insertion
How long should I wait for the Anti-Smith antibody test results?
It depends on the testing laboratory. Anti-Smith antibody testing needs to be done with specialized equipment and knowledge. Not every laboratory offers it. Your sample will generally be sent to a testing laboratory, where it may take several days before results are made available
Should I be worried about positive Anti-Smith antibody test results, during my pregnancy?
You don’t need to worry about positive test results. Women who have been diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus can have a safe pregnancy. However, in some women, there will be complications related to pregnancy. So, seeking an expert opinion is advisable before undergoing this test
What is the right time to undergo an anti-Smith antibody test?
One has to undergo anti-Smith antibody testing if they are having any symptoms of an autoimmune disorder. The symptoms of SLE are easy to observe and obvious to notice in patients. So, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider soon after observing the symptoms
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