Test Code RNP RNP Antibodies, IgG, Serum
Reporting Name
RNP Ab, IgG, SUseful For
Evaluating patients with signs and symptoms of a connective tissue disease in whom the test for antinuclear antibodies is positive
Testing for RNP antibodies is not useful in patients without demonstrable antinuclear antibodies.
Testing Algorithm
For more information see Connective Tissue Disease Cascade.
Method Name
Multiplex Flow Immunoassay
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in RochesterSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen Required
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.35 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 21 days | |
Frozen | 21 days |
Reject Due To
Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Gross lipemia | Reject |
Gross icterus | OK |
Special Instructions
Reference Values
<1.0 U (negative)
≥1.0 U (positive)
Reference values apply to all ages.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
CPT Code Information
86235
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
RNP | RNP Ab, IgG, S | 29958-6 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
RNP | RNP Ab, IgG, S | 29958-6 |
Clinical Information
RNP (also called nRNP and U1RNP) is a small nuclear ribonucleoprotein that contains 3 protein autoantigens (called A, C, and 68 kD). Sera that contain RNP antibodies react predominately with the A and 68-kD autoantigens. Antibodies to RNP occur in approximately 50% of patients with lupus erythematosus (LE) and in patients with other connective tissue diseases, notably mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). MCTD is characterized by high levels of RNP antibodies without detectable Sm (Smith) or double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibodies. MCTD resembles LE but is not accompanied by renal involvement.(1,2)
RNP is 1 of 4 autoantigens commonly referred to as extractable nuclear antigens (ENA). The other ENAs are SS-A/Ro, SS-B/La, and Sm. Each ENA is composed of 1 or more proteins associated with small nuclear RNA species (snRNP) ranging in size from 80 to approximately 350 nucleotides. Antibodies to ENAs are common in patients with connective tissue diseases (systemic rheumatic diseases) including LE, MCTD, Sjogren syndrome, scleroderma (systemic sclerosis), and polymyositis/dermatomyositis.
For more information see Connective Tissue Disease Cascade.