Advanced Immunoassays in Rheumatology

Best results are obtained when clinical rheumatologists and laboratory immunologists or pathologists work as a team, speak each other's "language" and understand each other's needs and concerns. This book bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications, as well as between laboratory and clinical practice. It covers rheumatoid factors (IgM, IgG and IgA), anti-nuclear antibodies, anti-phospholipid antibodies, complement, cytokines, HLA and genes involved in immune system abnormalities. The work stresses ELISA testing for anti-nuclear antibodies, with numeric and graphic display of results. It gives case presentations with specific examples of use for various tests and their interpretation in clinical context. It takes a practical approach to immunoassays, with advice from specialists with hands-on experience in both laboratory and clinical patient management, and provides theoretical coverage of the main topics of immune system abnormalities in rheumatic diseases.