Ordering Recommendation

First-line test for the evaluation of systemic sclerosis, or connective tissue disease with renal or cutaneous involvement. Preferred test is Comprehensive Systemic Sclerosis Panel (3000480).

New York DOH Approval Status

This test is New York state approved.

Specimen Required

Patient Preparation
Collect

Serum separator tube.

Specimen Preparation

Separate serum from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 mL serum to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.2 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature

Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions
Remarks
Stability

After separation from cells: Ambient: 48 hours; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 year

Methodology

Semi-Quantitative Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

Performed

Sun, Tue, Thu

Reported

1-4 days

Reference Interval

Test Number
Components
Reference Interval
  RNA Polymerase III Antibody, IgG 19 Units or less

Interpretive Data

The presence of RNA polymerase III IgG antibody, when considered in conjunction with other laboratory and clinical findings, is an aid in the diagnosis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) with increased incidence of skin involvement and renal crisis with the diffuse cutaneous form of SSc. RNA polymerase III IgG antibody occur in about 11-23 percent of SSc patients, and typically in the absence of anti-centromere and anti-Scl-70 antibodies.
A negative result indicates no detectable IgG antibodies to the dominant antigen of RNA polymerase III and does not rule out the possibility of SSc. False-positive results may also occur due to non-specific binding of immune complexes. Strong clinical correlation is recommended.

If clinical suspicion remains, consider additional testing for other antibodies associated with SSc, including centromere, Scl-70, U3-RNP, PM/Scl, or Th/To.


Component
Interpretation
RNA Polymerase III Antibody, IgG 19 Units or less            Negative
20-39 Units                   Weak Positive
40-80 Units                   Moderate Positive
81 Units or greater       Strong Positive

Compliance Category

FDA

Note

Hotline History

N/A

CPT Codes

83516

Components

Component Test Code* Component Chart Name LOINC
2001602 RNA Polymerase III Antibody, IgG 79182-2
* Component test codes cannot be used to order tests. The information provided here is not sufficient for interface builds; for a complete test mix, please click the sidebar link to access the Interface Map.

Aliases

  • RNA pol 3
  • RNA Pol III IgG
  • RNA Polymerase III Ab
RNA Polymerase III Antibody, IgG