Tests for autoimmune diseases measure the amount of certain antibodies in your blood.
What is an Autoimmune Tests ?
Tests for autoimmune diseases measure the amount of certain antibodies in your blood. Your body makes antibodies to attack and destroy substances such as bacteria and viruses.
But in autoimmune diseases, the antibodies attack and destroy your body's tissues. This can lead to diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and lupus. These health problems affect the connective tissues, such as the skin and joints, and blood vessels and other tissues.
Autoimmune tests may include anti-dsDNA, anti-RNP, anti-Smith (or anti-Sm), anti-Sjogren's SSA and SSB.
Antinuclear Antibody Panel
Antinuclear Antibody Panel test looks for specific antibodies that may be useful in diagnosing various autoimmune conditions.
C-reactive protein
This test assesses levels of an inflammatory marker that can be elevated in various situations, including infectious, autoimmune, and rheumatologic conditions.
ESR
This test assesses levels of an inflammatory marker that can be elevated in various situations, including infectious, autoimmune, and rheumatologic conditions.
Rheumatoid Factor (RF)
Reflects “bad” cholesterol levels, although typically for any LDL under 190, no medication is needed unless you have other cardiovascular risk factors.