Blood markers for autoimmune diseases are tests that measure the levels of certain molecules in the blood that can indicate the presence of an autoimmune disorder. These markers can be used to help diagnose an autoimmune disease, monitor the progression of the disease, or assess the response to treatment.
The most commonly used blood markers for autoimmune diseases are antinuclear antibodies (ANA). These antibodies are produced in response to proteins in the nucleus of cells, and are found in the blood of people with a variety of autoimmune diseases, including lupus, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis. A positive ANA test result indicates that an autoimmune disorder is present, but it cannot be used to determine which specific disorder.
Other blood markers used to diagnose autoimmune disorders include anti-dsDNA (anti-double stranded DNA) antibodies, which are associated with lupus, and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies, which are associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
In addition to testing for the presence of specific antibodies, blood tests can also be used to measure levels of certain inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). These tests measure the level of inflammation in the body, which can be indicative of an autoimmune disorder.
Finally, blood tests can also be used to measure the levels of certain hormones and vitamins associated with autoimmune diseases. For example, people with Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder of the thyroid, often have high levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in their blood.
Overall, blood markers are an important tool for diagnosing and managing autoimmune diseases. They can provide valuable information about the presence and severity of the disorder, as well as the effectiveness of treatment.