A multiple sample immunoblotting system (MSIS) for the intrinsic detection of antinuclear autoantibodies.

A multiple sample immunoblotting system (MSIS) is described. The MSIS permits the detection and classification of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) according to the pattern of antigenic polypeptides recognized in four different extracts: calf thymus whole tissue, nuclear extract, and two ammonium sulphate fractions of the nuclear extract. The procedure permits the classification of anti-RNP, anti-SS/B and anti-Sm, and the detection of new ANAs in sera from SLE patients. The reaction patterns presented are specific and unambiguous, and make the use of validated control sera unnecessary.