Test Code SM Smith (Sm) Antibodies, IgG, Serum
Reporting Name
Sm 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 Sm 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 |
---|---|---|
SM | Sm Ab, IgG, S | 18323-6 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
SM | Sm Ab, IgG, S | 18323-6 |
Clinical Information
Sm (Smith) is a small nuclear ribonucleoprotein composed of several protein autoantigens designated B, B1, D, E, F, and G, which range in size from 11 kD to 26 kD. Sm antibodies are specific for lupus erythematosus (LE) and occur in approximately 30% of LE patients. The levels of Sm antibodies remain relatively constant over time in patients with LE and are usually found in patients that also have RNP (ribonucleoprotein) antibodies.(1,2)
Sm is 1 of 4 autoantigens commonly referred to as extractable nuclear antigens (ENA). The other ENA are RNP, SS-A/Ro, and SS-B/La. Each ENA is composed of 1 or more proteins associated with small nuclear RNA species (snRNA) ranging in size from 80 to approximately 350 nucleotides. Antibodies to ENA are common in patients with connective tissue diseases (systemic rheumatic diseases) including LE, mixed connective tissue disease, Sjogren syndrome, scleroderma (systemic sclerosis), and polymyositis/dermatomyositis.
For more information see Connective Tissue Disease Cascade.