Reference intervals for serum immunoglobulins G, M and E levels in Brazilian children aged 1 to 10 years: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the reference intervals (RI) for serum levels of IgG, IgM, and IgE in healthy children aged 1-10 years living in central Brazil. METHOD: A sample of 1743 healthy children was randomly selected from kindergartens and public schools. Reference intervals were defined by non-parametric rank (Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute, USA), bootstrapping, and Horn's robust methods. RESULTS: By the rank method, the IgG RI was 792-1771 mg/dL for children of both sexes aged 1-10 years. IgM RI were different for gender and age groups, being 45-196 mg/dL and 34-190 mg/dL for boys aged 1-2 years and 3-10 years, respectively. For girls, the IgM RI were 50-212 mg/dL and 39-212 mg/dL, for ages 1-4 and 5-10 years, respectively. The IgE RI for both sexes and ages 1-10 years was 6-1005 mg/dL. The bootstrap method showed RI similar to the rank method but with slightly different confidence intervals. Horn's robust method determined RI different from those obtained by previous methods. CONCLUSION: RI for serum concentrations of IgG, IgM, and IgE were established for Brazilian children aged 1-10 years. This definition will be useful for Brazilian physicians, who will have more adequate parameters for their clinical decision-making.

Reference intervals for serum TSH concentrations of healthy children from the Central Region of Brazil.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration reference intervals (RIs) of healthy children aged 1 to 10 years of both sexes, living in the Central Region of Brazil. Subjects and methods: 1,735 children [869 (50.1%) female; 866 (49.9%) male] enrolled in the morning shift of 47 pre- and 83 public elementary schools in the municipality of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, were studied by gathering anthropometric and social data and their medical history. A blood sample was collected from each child to determine the TSH concentration using the electrochemiluminescence method on a Cobas® 6000 modular analyzer (Analyzer series, Roche Diagnostics). Results: The RIs were determined using the 2.5 and 97.5 percentile and the mean ± 2 standard deviations methods. After identifying the homoscedastic groups by age and sex, outliers higher or lower than three standard deviations were excluded. The distribution of serum TSH concentrations showed no significant age or sex differences. Based on the percentile method, TSH RI ranged from 0.93 to 5.86 µIU/mL. Based on the mean ± 2 standard deviations, TSH RI ranged from 0.30 to 5.29 µIU/mL. Conclusion: The normal serum TSH concentration of the Brazilian children evaluated in this study differ from those of populations from other countries. Other regional population studies may validate the RIs found in this study and enable its safer use in pediatric clinical practice.

Reference intervals for serum immunoglobulin A levels in Brazilian children aged 1 to 10 years: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine reference intervals (RI) for serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels in healthy children aged 1 to 1 0 years residing in the central region of Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,743 healthy children randomly selected from kindergartens and public schools in Cuiabá, MT, Brazil. The IgA RIs were defined using the statistical methods postulated by the guidelines of the United States Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, the nonparametric bootstrap method, and Horn's robust method after the correction of discrepancies by Tukey's, Dixon's, and Horn's methods, respectively. The results were defined based on the values contained between the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles and their respective 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Partition by sex was not necessary to determine the IgA RI of the studied children. Homogeneous subgroups were identified among children aged 1-<2, 2-<5, and 5-<11 years, whose IgA-specific RIs were determined. CONCLUSION: The serum IgA RIs were established for three groups of Brazilian children aged 1-11 years, which differed from those currently applied in Brazilian pediatric practice and from those defined by international studies. This definition will help Brazilian pediatricians formulate an accurate diagnosis and facilitate decision-making.

Reference intervals for serum immunoglobulin A levels in Brazilian children aged 1 to 10 years: a population-based study

Abstract Objective: To determine reference intervals (Rl) for serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels in healthy children aged 1 to 1 0 years residing in the central region of Brazil. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,743 healthy children randomly selected from kindergartens and public schools in Cuiabá, MT, Brazil. The IgA RIs were defined using the statistical methods postulated by the guidelines of the United States Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, the nonparametric bootstrap method, and Horn's robust method after the correction of discrepancies by Tukey's, Dixon's, and Horn's methods, respectively. The results were defined based on the values contained between the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles and their respective 95% confidence intervals. Results: Partition by sex was not necessary to determine the IgA Rl of the studied children. Homogeneous subgroups were identified among children aged 1-<2, 2-<5, and 5-<11 years, whose IgA-specific RIs were determined. Conclusion: The serum IgA RIs were established for three groups of Brazilian children aged 1-11 years, which differed from those currently applied in Brazilian pediatric practice and from those defined by international studies. This definition will help Brazilian pediatricians formulate an accurate diagnosis and facilitate decision-making.

Reference intervals for serum TSH concentrations of healthy children from the Central Region of Brazil

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration reference intervals (RIs) of healthy children aged 1 to 10 years of both sexes, living in the Central Region of Brazil. Subjects and methods: 1,735 children [869 (50.1%) female; 866 (49.9%) male] enrolled in the morning shift of 47 pre- and 83 public elementary schools in the municipality of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, were studied by gathering anthropometric and social data and their medical history. A blood sample was collected from each child to determine the TSH concentration using the electrochemiluminescence method on a Cobas® 6000 modular analyzer (Analyzer series, Roche Diagnostics). Results: The RIs were determined using the 2.5 and 97.5 percentile and the mean ± 2 standard deviations methods. After identifying the homoscedastic groups by age and sex, outliers higher or lower than three standard deviations were excluded. The distribution of serum TSH concentrations showed no significant age or sex differences. Based on the percentile method, TSH RI ranged from 0.93 to 5.86 μIU/mL. Based on the mean ± 2 standard deviations, TSH RI ranged from 0.30 to 5.29 μIU/mL. Conclusion: The normal serum TSH concentration of the Brazilian children evaluated in this study differ from those of populations from other countries. Other regional population studies may validate the RIs found in this study and enable its safer use in pediatric clinical practice.

Correction to: V Brazilian consensus guidelines for detection of anti-cell autoantibodies on hep-2 cells.

After publication of the original article [1], we were notified that there is a mistake in Fig. 2.

V Brazilian consensus guidelines for detection of anti-cell autoantibodies on hep-2 cells.

BACKGROUND: The V Brazilian Consensus for determination of autoantibodies against cellular constituents on HEp-2 cells, held in Brasilia (DF, Brazil) on August 27, 2016, discussed the harmonization between the Brazilian Consensus on ANA (BCA) guidelines and the International Consensus on ANA Patterns (ICAP) recommendations ( www.anapatterns.org ). Initial guidelines were formulated by the group of Brazilian experts with the purpose of guiding and enabling Brazilian clinical laboratories to adopt recommendations and to provide a common standard for national and international consensuses. MAINBODY: Twenty Brazilian researchers and experts from universities and clinical laboratories representing the various geographical regions of the country participated in the meeting. Three main topics were discussed, namely the harmonization between the BCA guidelines and latest recommendations of the ICAP initiative, the adjustment of the terminology and report on HEp-2 patterns, and a reassessment of quality assurance parameters. For the three topics, our aim was to establish specific guidelines. All recommendations were based on consensus among participants. There was concrete progress in the adjustment of the BCA guidelines to match the ICAP guidelines. To a certain extent, this derives from the fact that ICAP recommendations were largely based on the algorithm and recommendations of the IV Brazilian ANA Consensus, as consistently recognized in the ICAP publications and presentations. However, although there is great overlap between the two Consensuses, there are some point divergences. These specific items were individually and extensively discussed, and it was acknowledged that in several points ICAP improved recommendations previously issued by the Brazilian ANA Consensus and these changes were readily implemented. Regarding some specific topics, the BCA panel of experts felt that the previously issued recommendations remained relevant and possibly will require further discussion with ICAP. The term anti-cell antibodies was adopted as the recommended designation, recognizing that the assay addresses antibodies against antigens in the nucleus and in other cell compartments. However, the acronym ANA HEp-2 was maintained due to historical and regulatory reasons. It was also signalized that the latest trend in ICAP is to adopt the term Indirect Immunofluorescent Assay on HEp-2 cell substrate (HEp-2 IIFA). In addition, the quality assurance strategies previously presented were ratified and emphasized. CONCLUSION: The V BCA edition was successful in establishing an overall harmonization with the ICAP recommendations for interpretation of the HEp-2 IIFA test, pinpointing the perspectives in filling the remaining gaps between both initiatives.

Proposition of decision limits for serum lipids in Brazilian children aged one to 13 years / Proposição de limites de decisão dos lipídeos séricos para crianças brasileiras de um a 13 anos de idade

Abstract Objective: To determine decision limits for total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides in healthy children and adolescents from Cuiabá, Brazil. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 1866 healthy children and adolescents randomly selected from daycare centers and public schools in Cuiabá. The desirable levels of serum lipids were defined using the classic criteria, i.e., total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides levels below the P75 percentile, and HDL-c above the P10 percentile. Results: For CT, P75 was: 160 mg/dL for the age range of 1 to <3 years, 170 mg/dL for ≥3 to <9 years, and 176 mg/dL for ≥9 to <13 years. For non-HDL cholesterol, it was 122 mg/dL for the age range of 1 to <13 years. For LDL-c, it was 104 mg/dL at the age range of 1 to <9 years and 106 mg/dL from ≥9 to <13 years. For TG, it was 127 mg/dL from 1 to <2 years; 98 mg/dL from ≥2 to <6 years; and 92 mg/dL from ≥6 to <13 years. As for HDL-cholesterol, P10 was 24 mg/dL, 28 mg/dL, 32 mg/dL, and 36 mg/dL, for the age ranges of 1 to <2 years, ≥2 to <3 years, ≥3 to <4 years, and ≥4 to <13 years, respectively. Conclusion: The decision limits for the serum lipid levels defined in this study differed from those observed in the current Brazilian and North-American guidelines, especially because it differentiates between the age ranges. Using these decision limits in clinical practice will certainly contribute to improve the diagnostic accuracy for dyslipidemia in this population group.

Resumo Objetivo: Determinar limites de decisão (LD) para o colesterol total (CT), LDL-colesterol (LDL-c), colesterol não-HDL (c-NHDL), HDL-colesterol (HDL-c) e triglicérides (TG) em crianças e adolescentes saudáveis de Cuiabá. Método: Estudo transversal envolvendo 1.866 crianças e adolescentes saudáveis de creches e escolas municipais públicas de Cuiabá, aleatoriamente selecionadas. Os LD desejáveis dos lipídeos séricos foram definidos pelos critérios clássicos, isto é, níveis de CT, LDL-c, c-NHDL, TG abaixo do percentil 75, e de HDL-c acima do percentil 10. Resultados: Os P75 para CT foram: 160 mg/dL para a faixa etária de 1 a < 3 anos, 170 mg/dL para ≥ 3 a < 9 anos e 176 mg/dL para ≥ 9 a < 13 anos. Para o c-NHDL, de 122 mg/dL na faixa etária de 1 a < 13 anos. LDL-c: 104 mg/dL na faixa etária de 1 a < 9 anos e 106 mg/dL de ≥ 9 a < 13 anos. TG: 127 mg/dL entre 1 a < 2 anos; 98 mg/dL de ≥ 2 a < 6 anos; e 92 mg/dL de ≥ 6 a < 13 anos. Quanto ao HDL-c, o P10, foi de 24 mg/dL, 28 mg/dL, 32 mg/dL e 36 mg/dL, para as faixas etárias de 1 a < 2 anos, ≥ 2 a < 3 anos, ≥ 3 a < 4 anos e ≥ 4 a < 13 anos, respectivamente. Conclusão: Os LD dos níveis séricos de lipídeos definidos neste estudo diferem daqueles apresentados nas diretrizes brasileiras e americanas atuais, especialmente por fazer a diferenciação entre as idades. Utilizar tais LD em nossa prática clínica certamente contribuirá para melhorar a acurácia do diagnóstico de dislipidemia nesse grupo populacional.

Proposition of decision limits for serum lipids in Brazilian children aged one to 13 years.

OBJECTIVE: To determine decision limits for total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides in healthy children and adolescents from Cuiabá, Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 1866 healthy children and adolescents randomly selected from daycare centers and public schools in Cuiabá. The desirable levels of serum lipids were defined using the classic criteria, i.e., total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides levels below the P75 percentile, and HDL-c above the P10 percentile. RESULTS: For CT, P75 was: 160mg/dL for the age range of 1 to <3 years, 170mg/dL for ≥3 to <9 years, and 176mg/dL for ≥9 to <13 years. For non-HDL cholesterol, it was 122mg/dL for the age range of 1 to <13 years. For LDL-c, it was 104mg/dL at the age range of 1 to <9 years and 106mg/dL from ≥9 to <13 years. For TG, it was 127mg/dL from 1 to <2 years; 98mg/dL from ≥2 to <6 years; and 92mg/dL from ≥6 to <13 years. As for HDL-cholesterol, P10 was 24mg/dL, 28mg/dL, 32mg/dL, and 36mg/dL, for the age ranges of 1 to <2 years, ≥2 to <3 years, ≥3 to <4 years, and ≥4 to <13 years, respectively. CONCLUSION: The decision limits for the serum lipid levels defined in this study differed from those observed in the current Brazilian and North-American guidelines, especially because it differentiates between the age ranges. Using these decision limits in clinical practice will certainly contribute to improve the diagnostic accuracy for dyslipidemia in this population group.

V Brazilian consensus guidelines for detection of anti-cell autoantibodies on hep-2 cells

Abstract Background: The V Brazilian Consensus for determination of autoantibodies against cellular constituents on HEp-2 cells, held in Brasilia (DF, Brazil) on August 27, 2016, discussed the harmonization between the Brazilian Consensus on ANA (BCA) guidelines and the International Consensus on ANA Patterns (ICAP) recommendations (www.anapatterns.org). Initial guidelines were formulated by the group of Brazilian experts with the purpose of guiding and enabling Brazilian clinical laboratories to adopt recommendations and to provide a common standard for national and international consensuses. Mainbody: Twenty Brazilian researchers and experts from universities and clinical laboratories representing the various geographical regions of the country participated in the meeting. Three main topics were discussed, namely the harmonization between the BCA guidelines and latest recommendations of the ICAP initiative, the adjustment of the terminology and report on HEp-2 patterns, and a reassessment of quality assurance parameters. For the three topics, our aim was to establish specific guidelines. All recommendations were based on consensus among participants. There was concrete progress in the adjustment of the BCA guidelines to match the ICAP guidelines. To a certain extent, this derives from the fact that ICAP recommendations were largely based on the algorithm and recommendations of the IV Brazilian ANA Consensus, as consistently recognized in the ICAP publications and presentations. However, although there is great overlap between the two Consensuses, there are some point divergences. These specific items were individually and extensively discussed, and it was acknowledged that in several points ICAP improved recommendations previously issued by the Brazilian ANA Consensus and these changes were readily implemented. Regarding some specific topics, the BCA panel of experts felt that the previously issued recommendations remained relevant and possibly will require further discussion with ICAP. The term anti-cell antibodies was adopted as the recommended designation, recognizing that the assay addresses antibodies against antigens in the nucleus and in other cell compartments. However, the acronym ANA HEp-2 was maintained due to historical and regulatory reasons. It was also signalized that the latest trend in ICAP is to adopt the term Indirect Immunofluorescent Assay on HEp-2 cell substrate (HEp-2 IIFA). In addition, the quality assurance strategies previously presented were ratified and emphasized. Conclusion: The V BCA edition was successful in establishing an overall harmonization with the ICAP recommendations for interpretation of the HEp-2 IIFA test, pinpointing the perspectives in filling the remaining gaps between both initiatives.

Clinical Applications of Point-of-Care Testing in Different Conditions.

BACKGROUND: The use of point-of-care testing (POCT) in different clinical applications is justified by the fact that the time to release the result is shortened, allowing the physician to define the diagnosis and most appropriate therapy in a shorter time. However, the negative aspects must also be highlighted and studied so that we can move forward with the use of these devices. These negative aspects include greater analytical imprecision compared to laboratory automation, the variability between different equipment from different manufacturers, the risk of inappropriate use, a low level of global regulation, higher costs compared with laboratory testing and cost ineffectiveness in terms of health care. Methods and. RESULTS: This review presents some clinical applications of POCT in different scenarios, such as for diabetes mellitus, infectious diseases, pediatrics, and chronic kidney disease, among others. CONCLUSIONS: We hope to see a global consensus on an acceptable quality standard for performing POCT that is adaptable, practical, and cost effective in primary care settings, ensuring patient safety, and minimizing the risk of harm.

Point-of-Care Testing: General Aspects.

Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) has been highlighted in the health care sector in recent decades. On the other hand, due to its low demand, POCT is at a disadvantage compared to conventional equipment, since its cost is inversely proportional to the volume of use. In addition, for the implementation of POCT to succeed, it is essential to rely on the work of a multidisciplinary team. The awareness of health professionals of the importance of each step is perhaps the critical success factor. The trend towards the continuous advancement of the use of POCT and the great potential of its contributions reinforce the need to implement quality management tools, including performance indicators, to ensure their results. This review presents some advantages and disadvantages concerning POCT and the real need to use it. A worldwide call for the availability of easy-to-use health technologies that are increasingly closer to the final user is one of the main reasons for this focus.

Serum lipids in Brazilian children and adolescents: determining their reference intervals.

BACKGROUND: Demographic, geographic, environmental and genetic factors influence lipids. In many countries, the normal lipid ranges for laboratory tests are based on references from American children and adolescents. In this work, we determined the reference intervals (RIs) for total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (nHDL-c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and triglycerides (TG) in Brazilian healthy children and adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted of 1,866 randomly sampled healthy children and adolescents from kindergartens and schools. Blood samples were collected after a variable period of fasting based on the age of the participant. The upper cut-off points were the 75(th) and 95(th) percentiles for TC, nHDL-c, LDL-c and TG. The 10(th) percentile (low) was used as the bottom level for HDL-c. Non-parametric tests were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: The following RI and 75(th) and 95(th) percentiles were observed for each age interval. The 95(th) percentile values obtained for TC were: 1 to 2 years, 189 mg/dL, 3 to 8 years, 199 mg/dL; 9 to 12 years, 205 mg/dL. For the nHDL c, the only age group 1 to 12 years, this percentile value was 150 mg/dL. For the LDL-cholesterol, the values corresponding to the percentiles above, aged 1 to 8 years and 9 to 12 years, were 132 mg/dL 139 mg/dL, respectively. For the triglycerides, the values corresponding to 95(th) percentile were: 1 year, 189 mg/dL; 2 to 5 years, 139 mg/dL; 6 to 12 years, 139 mg/dL . The 10(th) percentiles for HDL-c were 24 mg/dL, 28 mg/dL, 32 mg/dL and 36 mg/dL for children 1, 2, 3 and 4-12 years old, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The lipid reference intervals defined in the studied Brazilian children and adolescents differ from those recommended by the international literature and should be used for clinical decisions contributing to improve the diagnosis in this particular group in our country.

Changes in body composition, hematologic parameters, and serum biochemistry after rapid intravenous infusion or oral intake of 2 liters of 0.9% saline solution in young healthy volunteers: randomized crossover study.

BACKGROUND: The perioperative infusion of 2 L of saline is associated with weight gain and decreased serum albumin and hematocrit. We hypothesized that these parameters would respond differently to oral administration and intravenous infusion of saline solution. METHODS: This was a crossover study that included 10 healthy young men (ages 18-26 years). At two times, 8 weeks apart, the participants were randomized to receive 2 L of 0.9% saline over 1 h by intravenous (IV) administration to a forearm vein or by oral intake. The participants were weighed and body masses were calculated. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was performed with a single-frequency device using tetrapolar distal limb electrodes. Blood samples were collected 1 h after the administration period for laboratory assays: hematocrit, hemoglobin, blood glucose, serum electrolytes, albumin, creatinine, osmolality. RESULTS: There was an increase in body weight (p<0.01), total body water (p<0.01), and lean body mass (p<0.01) after the experiment in both groups, with no difference between them. The volume of urine output was similar in the two experiments. The hemoglobin (oral group from 14.4±0.8 g/dl to 13.8±0.8 g/dl; IV group from 14.4±0.6 g/dl to 12.6±0.6 g/dl) and hematocrit (oral group from 43.2±1.8% to 43.2±2.8%; IV group from 43.6±2.2% to 40.0±2.6%) significantly decreased (p<0.01) with IV saline. Serum albumin remained stable after oral intake but significantly decreased (p=0.04) after IV infusion. CONCLUSIONS: Oral intake of 2 L of 0.9% saline results in minimal variations in serum albumin, hemoglobin, and hematocrit when compared to IV infusion of the same volume.

Evaluation of the effects of a preoperative 2-hour fast with maltodextrine and glutamine on insulin resistance, acute-phase response, nitrogen balance, and serum glutathione after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a controlled randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged preoperative fasting increases insulin resistance (IR). The authors investigated whether an abbreviated preoperative fast with glutamine (GLN) plus a carbohydrate (CHO)-based beverage would improve the organic response after surgery. METHODS: Forty-eight female patients (19-62 years) were randomized to either standard fasting (control group) or to fasting with 1 of 3 different beverages before video-cholecystectomy. Beverages were consumed 8 hours (400 mL; placebo group: water; GLN group: water with 50 g maltodextrine plus 40 g GLN; and CHO group: water with 50 g maltodextrine) and 2 hours (200 mL; placebo: water; GLN: water with 25 g maltodextrine plus 10 g GLN; and CHO: water with 25 g maltodextrine) before anesthesia. Blood samples were collected pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean (SEM) postoperative homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance was greater (P < .05) in control patients (4.3 [1.3]) than in the other groups (placebo, 1.6 [0.3]; CHO, 2.3 [0.4]; and GLN, 1.5 [0.1]). Glutathione was significantly higher (P < .01) in the GLN group than in both CHO and control groups. Interleukin-6 increased in all groups except the GLN group. The C-reactive protein/albumin ratio was higher (P < .05) in controls than in CHO and GLN groups. The nitrogen balance was less negative in GLN (-2.5 [0.8] gN) than in both placebo (-9.0 [2] gN; P = .001) and control (-6.6 [0.4] gN; P = .04) groups. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative intake of a GLN-enriched CHO beverage appears to improve IR and antioxidant defenses and decreases the inflammatory response after video-cholecystectomy.

III Consenso Brasileiro para Pesquisa de Autoanticorpos em Células HEp-2: perspectiva histórica, controle de qualidade e associações clínicas / Third Brazilian Consensus for Autoantibodies Screening in HEp-2 Cells: historical perspective, quality control and clinical associations

OBJETIVO: O III Consenso Brasileiro para Pesquisa de Autoanticorpos em Células HEp-2 (FAN) objetivou discutir estratégias para controlar a qualidade do ensaio, promover a atualização das associações clínicas dos diversos padrões e avaliar as dificuldades de implantação do II Consenso ocorrido no ano de 2002. MÉTODOS: Nos dias 13 e 14 de abril de 2007 participaram do encontro em Goiânia pesquisadores e especialistas de diversos centros universitários e laboratórios clínicos de diferentes regiões do Brasil, com o propósito de discutir e aprovar as recomendações que visam a melhores padronização, interpretação e utilização do ensaio pelos clínicos. Foram convidados como ouvintes representantes comerciais de diferentes empresas produtoras de insumos para realização do teste de FAN. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÃO: Dada a heterogeneidade de microscópios e reagentes disponíveis no mercado, o III Consenso enfatizou a necessidade do controle de qualidade em ensaios de imunofluorescência indireta. Foram também feitas algumas adequações na terminologia utilizada para classificar os diferentes padrões. Finalmente, foi realizada uma atualização das associações clínicas com finalidade de facilitar cada vez mais o melhor uso do ensaio pelos clínicos.

OBJECTIVE: The Third Brazilian Consensus for Autoantibodies Screening in HEp-2 Cells (ANA) had as purpose the evaluation of difficulties in the accomplishment of the 2nd Consensus recommendations that took place in the year of 2002, the discussion of strategies for quality control of the assay and the discussion of an update of the clinical associations of the several immunofluorescent patterns. METHODS: Several ANA experts from university centers and private laboratories in different areas in Brazil joined the workshop in Goiânia on 2007 April 13 and 14 with the purpose of discussing and approving the recommendations for standardization, interpretation and use of the test by physicians. Commercial representatives of different ANA slide brands were also invited as listeners to the workshop. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The 3rd ANA Consensus emphasized the need for quality control in indirect immunofluorescent assays since there is a considerable heterogeneity of available microscopes and reagents. It also promoted adaptations in the previously approved terminology used to classify the different patterns and finally updated the clinical associations of the several patterns with the purpose of providing guidance for interpretation of the assay by clinical pathologists and assistant physicians.