Testing for autoimmune disease in blood is a complex process that requires multiple tests to accurately diagnose the condition. Initially, a CBC (complete blood count) test is done to analyze the levels of red and white blood cells and platelets. This helps to determine if there is an abnormality in the blood that could be indicative of an autoimmune disorder.
Next, a basic metabolic panel is performed to measure the levels of electrolytes, glucose, and proteins in the blood. An elevated level of any of these components could be an indication of an autoimmune disorder.
Additionally, a sedimentation rate test can be done to measure the rate of red blood cell sedimentation in the blood. An unusually high rate of red blood cell sedimentation can be an indication of an autoimmune disease.
Other tests that can be performed to look for autoimmune diseases include a C-reactive protein test, a rheumatoid factor test, and an antinuclear antibody test. The C-reactive protein test measures the level of C-reactive protein in the blood, which can be elevated in the presence of inflammation, a common symptom of autoimmune diseases. The rheumatoid factor test is used to detect the presence of certain antibodies in the blood that are associated with rheumatoid arthritis, a type of autoimmune disorder. The antinuclear antibody test can detect the presence of certain antibodies that are associated with a variety of autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, scleroderma, and myasthenia gravis.
In conclusion, testing for autoimmune disease in blood involves a number of tests to accurately diagnose the condition. Tests such as a CBC, basic metabolic panel, sedimentation rate test, C-reactive protein test, rheumatoid factor test, and antinuclear antibody test are all used to detect the presence of an autoimmune disorder.