Yashoda Hospitals > Diagnostics > L. E. Cells Test

What is the LE Cell Test?

The lupus erythematosus (LE) cell was discovered in 1948 by Malcolm McCallum Hargraves in the lupus patients’ bone marrow. The LE cells are a type of neutrophil or macrophage that has engulfed the denatured nuclear material of another cell. The LE cells are also known as Hargraves cells, named after the scientist who discovered them. It is usually found in patients having systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or other autoimmune disorders.

The lupus erythematosus (LE) cell test is an SLE diagnostic test based on in vitro immunologic reaction between the patient’s autoantibodies towards damaged nuclei and nuclear antigens in the testing medium. SLE is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells. LE cell test is also known as LE preparation, LE Cell Preparation, LE phenomenon, and CPT No. 85544. The test result varies depending on subjective interpretation and experimental variables. Tests like antinuclear antibody (ANA) testing is more efficient than the LE cells test.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    The LE cell test is used to diagnose an autoimmune disease called SLE. The test is used for both males and females. The test is recommended when the SLE symptoms are present, and the symptoms include severe fatigue, joint inflammation, joint pain, rashes on the nose and cheeks-known as the butterfly rash.

    The LE cell test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional, and it is advised to the patients to avoid self-diagnosis. The normal range is a negative test. The LE cell test is considered positive if LE cells comprise almost 2-30% of the neutrophil cells in the smear. The positive LE cells tests indicate SLE.

    A positive LE cell test can also be found in rheumatoid arthritis, chronic hepatitis, dermatomyositis, scleroderma, dermatomyositis, polyarteritis nodosa, acquired hemolytic anemia, Hodgkin’s disease, acquired hemolytic anemia, and people taking drugs like hydralazine and phenylbutazone.

    LE cell tests are usually indicated to evaluate autoimmune disorders, SLE, chronic active hepatitis. When symptoms such as fatigue, joint inflammation, joint pain exist, it is recommended.

    During the LE cell test, the blood cells from the patient are ruptured leading to the release of the nuclear material. The released nuclear material reacts with specific antibodies through phagocytosis.

    There are different methods to conduct a LE cells test, such as Heparinized venous blood, Heparinized bone marrow, Oxalated venous blood, clotted venous blood, defibrinated venous blood, and LE factor and donor cells. The most convenient method for the patient is clotted venous blood.

    During clotted venous blood LE cell test, the site of blood collection is cleaned with a 70% alcohol swab. Followed by this, above the site a band is tied and the vein is searched. After that, blood is collected into a tube with a clot activator. Further, the band is removed from the hand, and the sample is sent for analysis.

    The LE phenomenon is the process by which the white blood cells become lupus erythematosus or LE cells. The LE cell is also known as the LE phenomenon.

    The LE cell test is also known as LE cell preparation.

    A negative finding on the LE cell test excludes SLE as the diagnosis, and their presence correlates with SLE.

    The LE cells are a type of neutrophil or macrophage that has engulfed the denatured nuclear material of another cell. In contrast, a tart cell is a granulocyte that has engulfed an intact nucleus of another cell. Tart cells are normally found in a bone marrow smear; however, their number tends to increase in SLE.

    The LE cells are usually found in patients with SLE, other autoimmune diseases, or drug-induced lupus erythematosus (DIL). LE cells are found in these patients' cerebrospinal fluids, synovial fluids, pleural and pericardial effusions.

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