CytoBead ANA 2 Slide Format This image illustrates the CytoBead ANA 2 slide format, designed for the simultaneous screening and confirmation of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and ANA-specific autoantibodies. - Central Compartment: Contains HEp-2 cells, which are used for the initial screening of ANA via indirect immunofluorescence. The presence of autoantibodies is indicated by fluorescence patterns on these cells. - Peripheral Compartments: Surrounding the central HEp-2 cell compartment are four smaller compartments, each containing antigen-coated fluorescent microbeads. These compartments are used for the confirmatory detection of specific autoantibodies: - Compartment 1: Contains SS-B/La-coated beads (9 µm) and Jo-1-coated beads (15 µm). - Compartment 2: Contains Sm-coated beads (9 µm) and Sm/RNP-coated beads (15 µm). - Compartment 3: Contains dsDNA-coated beads (9 µm) and Scl-70-coated beads (15 µm). - Compartment 4: Contains SS-A/Ro60-coated beads (9 µm) and SS-A/Ro52-coated beads (15 µm). Reference Beads: Size and location reference (SLR) beads are present in all peripheral compartments to assist in the identification and localization of the antigen-coated microbeads. This layout allows for both the screening of ANA on HEp-2 cells and the simultaneous confirmation of specific autoantibodies using antigen-coated microbeads, streamlining the diagnostic process.