Sm and Sm/RNP Antibodies

Test Code
7448


CPT Codes
86235 (x2)

Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum


Minimum Volume
0.5 mL


Transport Temperature
Room temperature


Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Gross hemolysis • Grossly lipemic • Grossly icteric


Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)

Setup Schedule
Set up: Mon-Sat; Report available: Next day


Reference Range
Sm Antibody  <1.0 AI Negative
Sm/RNP Antibody  <1.0 AI Negative 


Clinical Significance
Antibodies to Sm are highly specific for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and when present are considered a marker antibody. However, these antibodies are found in only 20% of patients with SLE.
RNP antibodies (also known as anti-u1 or ribonucleoprotein antibodies) are found in 45% of SLE patients but are also observed in numerous other disease states such as Sjögren's syndrome, scleroderma and polymyositis. Elevated levels of antibodies to RNP are seen in mixed connective tissue disease. In SLE, RNP antibodies have been associated with a relatively benign disease course with lower incidence of renal and central nervous system involvement. Patients may be considered positive for RNP antibodies when the RNP antibody result is significantly higher than the Sm antibody result.




The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.