The speckled pattern in ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) testing is one of the most common and diagnostically significant patterns, characterized by its distinctive, fine or coarse speckled appearance under a fluorescence microscope. This pattern indicates the presence of antibodies targeting various extractable nuclear antigens (ENAs), including but not limited to Smith (Sm) antigen, ribonucleoprotein (RNP), SS-A (Ro), and SS-B (La). The diversity of these antigens means that the speckled pattern is associated with a range of autoimmune disorders, most notably systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's syndrome, mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), and systemic sclerosis.

Sperm count is a key biomarker measured in a semen analysis to evaluate male fertility. It refers to the number of sperm present in a milliliter (mL) of semen. A normal sperm count is typically considered to be 15 million or more sperm per milliliter. A higher sperm count increases the chances of fertilization, as more sperm are available to reach and fertilize the egg.

What Does Sperm Count Mean?

- Normal sperm count: A healthy sperm count is important because it increases the likelihood that sperm will reach the egg for fertilization. A count of 15 million sperm per mL or higher is considered normal by the World Health Organization (WHO).

- Low sperm count: If the sperm count is less than 15 million sperm per mL, it is called oligospermia, which may reduce the chances of conceiving naturally. However, even with a lower sperm count, pregnancy is still possible, though it might be more challenging.

- No sperm count: If there is no sperm found in the semen, this condition is called azoospermia, which can be caused by blockages, genetic factors, or issues with sperm production in the testicles.

>10 x 106/L squamous epithelial cells indicate skin/mucosal contamination of the sample.

What are epithelial cells?

Epithelial cells are the cells on the body's surface, such as the skin, urinary tract, blood vessels, and organs. They act as a protective barrier, stopping viruses from entering the body. Besides the protective function, epithelial cells perform other functions as well, such as:

→ Help with sensory detection of taste, smell or sight as they transfer signals through the sensory nerve endings

→ Secrete hormones, enzymes, hormones, and fluids

→ Absorb certain substances, such as nutrients from the food

→ Epithelial cells in the kidney excrete waste, and epithelial cells in the sweat glands excrete sweat

→ Filter blood, dirt, and particles

→ Allow selective diffusion of materials to pass through

In general, epithelial cells act as a barrier between the outside and inside of your body, and help protect your body from viruses.

>10 x 106/L squamous epithelial cells indicate skin/mucosal contamination of the sample.

What are epithelial cells?

Epithelial cells are the cells on the body's surface, such as the skin, urinary tract, blood vessels, and organs. They act as a protective barrier, stopping viruses from entering the body. Besides the protective function, epithelial cells perform other functions as well, such as:

→ Help with sensory detection of taste, smell or sight as they transfer signals through the sensory nerve endings

→ Secrete hormones, enzymes, hormones, and fluids

→ Absorb certain substances, such as nutrients from the food

→ Epithelial cells in the kidney excrete waste, and epithelial cells in the sweat glands excrete sweat

→ Filter blood, dirt, and particles

→ Allow selective diffusion of materials to pass through

In general, epithelial cells act as a barrier between the outside and inside of your body, and help protect your body from viruses.

The SS-B/La Antibody (IgG) is a biomarker used to detect the presence of specific autoantibodies in the blood, primarily associated with Sjögren’s syndrome and other autoimmune conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). These antibodies target the SS-B/La protein, a small nuclear RNA-binding protein involved in normal cellular processes. A positive result for SS-B/La IgG indicates an autoimmune response, helping to diagnose or monitor conditions characterized by chronic inflammation, dry eyes, dry mouth, and systemic complications.

Anti-Ro (SS-A) is an autoantibody associated with SLE or Sjögren’s syndrome. Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly reacts to the tissue in glands that produce moisture, such as tear and salivary glands.

The SSA-52 (Ro52) (ENA) Antibody, IgG is an important biomarker commonly tested to help diagnose autoimmune conditions, particularly Sjögren’s syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This antibody targets Ro52, a protein involved in cellular stress responses, and its presence can indicate immune system activity against the body’s own tissues. Elevated levels of SSA-52 (Ro52) antibodies are often associated with systemic and organ-specific autoimmune diseases, such as mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), polymyositis, or certain types of interstitial lung disease.

The SSA-60 (Ro60) Antibody, IgG biomarker is a specific autoantibody often tested as part of an ENA (Extractable Nuclear Antigen) panel to aid in diagnosing autoimmune conditions. Elevated levels of SSA-60 (Ro60) antibodies are commonly associated with Sjögren’s syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), indicating the immune system's abnormal targeting of Ro60 proteins, a component of RNA-protein complexes. This marker is particularly valuable in detecting autoimmune activity, even in cases where other tests may be inconclusive.