Thermo Scientific Launches Blood Tests for Diagnosing Autoimmune Disease

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (Waltham, MA, USA) has introduced the new EliA RNA Pol III and EliA Rib-P blood tests for aiding in the diagnosis of Systemic Sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), thus further expanding its comprehensive menu of automated connective tissue disease tests. The EliA RNA Pol III and EliA Rib-P tests have been cleared by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for aiding in the diagnosis of SSc and SLE.

RNA Polymerase III is a criteria marker for SSc with both diagnostic and prognostic value. Additionally, in patients who are positive for RNA Polymerase III, up to 70% may have no other SSc associated antibodies present. The EliA RNA Pol III test completes a criteria based EliA SSc panel and is the first fully automated RNA Polymerase test available in the US. A subset of SLE patients present with monospecific Ribosomal P antibodies. Detection of these autoantibodies via indirect immunofluorescence has been shown to be an unreliable method, which if used solely, could result in delayed diagnosis and treatment. The EliA Rib-P test is designed with optimal sensitivity and specificity and can be used to support the diagnosis of SLE, particularly in ANA negative patients.

"Autoimmune diseases can be a challenge to diagnose. Reliable and accurate laboratory tests that provide clinical clarity are essential tools for clinicians managing these patients," said Dr. Henry Homburger, Professor Emeritus of Laboratory Medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, and laboratory director, Thermo Fisher Phadia Immunology Reference Laboratory. "The addition of RNA Polymerase III and Ribosomal P to the EliA connective tissue disease test menu will add considerable value to the diagnosis of SSc and SLE."

"The availability of a strong CTD test menu on a fully automated instrument could improve the efficiency and productivity of diagnostic laboratories," added Homburger. "The new EliA RNA Pol III and EliA Rib-P tests have been designed to improve the differentiation of SSc and SLE from other connective tissue diseases. Targeting existing diagnostic care gaps can potentially lead to earlier and more accurate diagnosis and ultimately improve clinical outcomes for patients."

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