DIAGNOSTIC TEST 450

RNA Polymerase Antibodies

Diagnostic test for antibodies against RNA polymerase. For suspicion of scleroderma.

Indication

Suspicion of systemic sclerosis

Sample material

Serum

  • Minim. volume: 0,5 mL

Transport

  • Within Sweden: room temperature
  • International: cold

Method

ELISA-based technique (EliA)

Reference interval

<7 U/mL negative, 7-<10 U/mL borderline

Result

Results are reported as negative, borderline or positive with a concentration (U/mL).

Interpretation

Antibodies directed against RNA polymerases serve as important serological markers for systemic sclerosis (SSc) and are detectable in approximately 20% of affected individuals. Anti-RNA polymerase I antibodies, and particularly anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies, exhibit a strong association with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis and correlate with an increased risk of internal organ involvement. These antibodies may also occur in systemic sclerosis overlap syndromes and have been reported, albeit rarely, in cases of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Antibodies against RNA polymerase II are frequently detected in conjunction with antibodies against RNA polymerases I and III. The presence of anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies is highly indicative of diffuse systemic sclerosis and is associated with a more aggressive disease course and significant internal organ involvement.

References

  • Elhannani A et al. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2025. Anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies in systemic sclerosis: prevalence and clinical associations from a systematic review and meta-analysis. PMID: 40676730
  • Hesselstrand R et al. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2003. The association of antinuclear antibodies with organ involvement and survival in systemic sclerosis. PMID: 12649400
  • Andraos R et al. Lupus Sci Med. 2022. Autoantibodies associated with systemic sclerosis in three autoimmune diseases imprinted by type I interferon gene dysregulation: a comparison across SLE, primary Sjögren's syndrome and systemic sclerosis. PMID: 36581379

Included in these panels

Need pricing information?

Get a quote

How to order

This test is available worldwide for hospitals, clinics, and physicians.

  1. Print and complete the request form

    Download the request form. Clearly state the name and phone number of the referring hospital, clinic, or physician.

  2. Prepare your samples

    Serum: At least 0.5 mL serum (plain serum tubes without additives).

  3. Send samples and request form

    Within Sweden
    Samples can be sent at room temperature to:
    Envelopes and smaller boxes:
    Wieslab AB, Box 50117, 20211 Malmö, Sweden

    Larger boxes and frozen samples:
    Wieslab AB, Lundavägen 151, 21224 Malmö, Sweden

    International
    Send samples cold to:
    Wieslab AB, Lundavägen 151, 21224 Malmö, Sweden

Read our sampling instructions for more information

Last updated: 2025-12-01