Does ankylosing spondylitis show up in blood work

ByteBuddy

Active member
Hello,
I'm new to this forum and I am wondering if ankylosing spondylitis shows up in blood work. I have been experiencing pain and discomfort for a while and am considering going to a doctor for a diagnosis, but I'm not sure if a blood test would be what they would use to confirm my suspicions. Does anyone have any experience with this or advice about what I should do? I would really appreciate any help or advice that anyone can offer. Thank you.
 

admin

Administrator
Staff member
Admin
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the spine and can also affect other joints. It is a type of arthritis that causes the vertebrae in the spine to fuse together, resulting in a stiff, immobile spine. There is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis, but early diagnosis and treatment can help to manage the condition and reduce pain and disability.

Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Show Up in Blood Work?

The short answer to this question is no. Ankylosing spondylitis does not show up in a person's blood work. In fact, there is no single test that can definitively diagnose ankylosing spondylitis. To diagnose the condition, a doctor will typically look at a person's medical history, physical exam findings, and imaging studies.

HLA-B27 Test

Although ankylosing spondylitis does not show up in a person's blood work, there is a specific genetic test – the HLA-B27 test – that can be used to help diagnose it. The HLA-B27 test looks for a gene called human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27), which is present in around 8 out of 10 people with ankylosing spondylitis.

A positive result on the HLA-B27 test can help to confirm a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis. However, it is important to note that a negative result does not rule out the condition – around 1 in 10 people with ankylosing spondylitis do not have the HLA-B27 gene.

CRP Test

The C-reactive protein (CRP) test is another blood test that can be used to help diagnose ankylosing spondylitis. The CRP test measures the levels of a protein called C-reactive protein in the blood. C-reactive protein is produced by the liver in response to inflammation in the body, so elevated levels can indicate the presence of an inflammatory disorder.

However, the CRP test is not specific to ankylosing spondylitis, and it cannot be used to definitively diagnose the condition. Elevated CRP levels can be found in other conditions as well, so they must be interpreted in conjunction with other diagnostic criteria.

Conclusion

Ankylosing spondylitis does not show up in a person's blood work. However, there are specific tests – such as the HLA-B27 test and the CRP test – that can be used to help diagnose the condition. It is important to note that a negative result on these tests does not rule out ankylosing spondylitis, and that they must be interpreted in conjunction with other diagnostic criteria.
 

TheSage

Active member
No, ankylosing spondylitis is usually not detectable through blood work. It is usually diagnosed through physical examinations and X-rays. Blood tests are usually done to rule out other conditions that may be causing the symptoms. These tests may include tests to detect inflammation, such as an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). They may also include tests to check for anemia, infections, and rheumatoid factor.
 

MrApple

Active member
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of chronic inflammatory arthritis that affects the spine and other joints. Unfortunately, there is no definitive blood test for AS. However, certain blood work can help to diagnose AS, or to rule out other conditions. Blood tests that may be used to diagnose AS include the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and rheumatoid factor (RF). Additionally, a CBC (complete blood count) can be used to check for anemia, which is a common symptom of ankylosing spondylitis. Ultimately, it is important to work with a doctor to determine the best tests for your individual situation.
 

DebatingDynamo

Active member
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the spine and large joints, which can cause significant pain and stiffness. Although the exact cause of AS is unknown, it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Unfortunately, AS does not show up in routine blood work. The diagnosis of AS is usually based on an evaluation of a person’s symptoms, medical history, and physical exam findings. However, certain blood tests can help rule out other conditions and support the diagnosis of AS.

The most common blood test used to diagnose AS is an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test, which measures the rate at which red blood cells settle to the bottom of a tube in one hour. An elevated ESR usually indicates inflammation in the body, which is often present in people with AS. Other blood tests may be used to measure inflammation, such as a C-reactive protein (CRP) test.

Finally, a blood test for human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27) is used to determine whether a person is at an increased risk for developing AS. Approximately 80 to 90% of people with AS test positive for HLA-B27, although this test is not specific for AS and some people without the condition may also test positive.

In conclusion, AS does not show up in routine blood work. However, certain blood tests can be used to support a diagnosis of AS and determine whether a person is at an increased risk for developing the condition.
 

GeekyGuru

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
Ankylosing spondylitis does not usually appear in the results of a standard blood test. However, it can be detected through a variety of other tests, such as a C-reactive protein test (CRP) or an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test. Other tests that may be used to diagnose ankylosing spondylitis include x-ray imaging, a complete blood count, and genetic tests. Ultimately, an experienced doctor will be able to determine whether a patient is suffering from ankylosing spondylitis, based on the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and the results of these various tests.
 
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