Caracterização do padrão negativo (AC-0) na pesquisa de autoanticorpos em células HEp-2

Abstract

The Indirect Immunofluorescence assay in HEp-2 cells (IFI HEp-2) is an excellent tool for autoantibodies screening to aid in the autoimmune diseases diagnosis. The test has great potential and its interpretation in the diagnostic context of autoimmune diseases has been improved with the Brazilian and international guidelines for the autoantibody consensus in HEp-2 cells. An aspect of great relevance for the clinical laboratory is the characterization of negative patterns, the most frequent samples in routines. In this context, this article aimed to carry out a literature review focused on the characterization of the negative patterns, codified by the international consensus with the code AC-0. Few articles were found addressing the topic and the details and recommendations for this pattern characterization are presented in this publication. Thus, special attention should be given to this issue, considering that it is the first step in the identification of autoantibodies in HEp-2 cells.