Anti-Double-Stranded DNA Antibody
Inflammation marker
Anti-dsDNA
Anti-Double-Stranded DNA Antibody
An autoantibody against double-stranded DNA that is highly specific for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Rising titres often track disease activity, particularly lupus nephritis.
PED Notes
Anti-dsDNA is not affected by AAS, GH, or peptides. It is relevant to enhanced athletes mainly as a confounder: fatigue, joint pain, rashes, and abnormal routine bloodwork can be blamed on cycles or training when an underlying autoimmune disease is present. Anti-dsDNA helps confirm SLE and, because titres can mirror disease activity, is used to monitor flares. Assays and cutoffs vary (ELISA, Farr, immunofluorescence), so interpret against the reporting laboratory's reference interval. The bodybuilder range equals the standard range.
When high
When positive/elevated (above the assay cutoff):
- A positive anti-dsDNA strongly supports systemic lupus erythematosus and, at high or rising titres, correlates with disease activity and kidney involvement.
- What to do:
- Seek rheumatology review, particularly with features such as a photosensitive rash, oral ulcers, pleuritic pain, unexplained cytopenias, or kidney abnormalities (proteinuria).
- Interpret with ANA, complement C3 and C4 (which fall during active lupus), CRP, and urinalysis.
- Rising titres over time can precede a flare; do not attribute new systemic symptoms to PED use if anti-dsDNA is positive and climbing.
History Chart
Reading History
Frequently Asked Questions
Reference Ranges
Standard Range
VitalMetrics Range