The technique of immunofluorescence using HEp-2 cells as substrate is the screening method of choice for the presence of autoantibodies in many clinical laboratories. The lack of a specific terminology for reporting results brings problems in quality control, clinical utility of the test, and standardization attempts. The first Brazilian Consensus for Standardization of ANA in HEp-2 Cells took place in Goiânia in August 2000. Several laboratory specialists with experience in the methodology showed up. They established guidelines for the description of ANA patterns in the Portuguese language, encompassing distinct descriptions for nuclear, nucleolar, cytoplasmic and mitotic apparatus patterns of fluorescence. Recommendations were also established regarding screening titers, final dilution titer, and on morphological criteria for reading the slides.
ANA; Immunofluorescence; Autoimmune diseases
