PubMed Health⌕ Search

PubMed · 326195

Lupus band test.

Abstract

The lupus band test (LBT) is a direct immunofluorescent technique for demonstrating a band of localized immunoglobulins at the dermal-epidermal junction in the skin of patients with lupus erythematosus (LE). Studies have shown immunoglobulins and complement at the dermal-epidermal junction in systemic (involved and uninvolved skin) and in discoid (involved skin only) LE. It is essential that the appropriate skin site be selected for biopsy; ie, involved or uninvolved skin, light-exposed or light-protected skin. The proper location of the biopsy site is determined by whether the LBT is intended for diagnostic or prognostic purposes. From a diagnostic standpoint, the LBT is a very sensitive and specific test for LE. In addition, this procedure has considerable value as a prognostic test for a patient with an established diagnosis of LE.

Explore related subjects

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

E W Monroe. 1977. Lupus band test.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/326195/

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related citations

Non-radical diagnostic biopsies do not negatively influence melanoma patient survival.

BACKGROUND: In fair-skinned Caucasian populations both the incidence and mortality rates of cutaneous melanoma have been increasing over the past decades. With adjuvant therapies still being under investigation, early detection is the only way to improve melanoma patient survival. The influence of incisional biopsies on melanoma patient survival has been discussed for many years. This study investigates both the influence of diagnostic biopsy type and the presence of residual tumor cells in the re-excision specimen on disease free and overall survival. METHODS: After (partial) removal of a pigmented skin lesion 471 patients were diagnosed with stage I/II melanoma and underwent re-excision and a sentinel node biopsy. All patients were followed prospectively, mean follow up >5 years. Patients were divided according to their diagnostic biopsy type (wide excision biopsy, narrow excision biopsy, excision biopsy with positive margins and incisional biopsy) and the presence of residual tumor cells in their re-excision specimen. Survival analysis was done using Cox's proportional hazard model adjusted for eight important confounders of melanoma patient survival. RESULTS: The diagnostic biopsy was wide in 279 patients, narrow in 109 patients, 52 patients underwent an excision biopsy with positive margins and 31 patients an incisional biopsy. In 41 patients residual tumor cells were present in the re-excision specimen. Both the diagnostic biopsy type and the presence of tumor cells in the re-excision specimen did not influence disease free and overall survival of melanoma patients. CONCLUSIONS: Non-radical diagnostic biopsies do not negatively influence melanoma patient survival.

Biopsy↗