Blood Tests for Still's Disease
Still's disease is a rare inflammatory disorder that can cause a variety of symptoms such as fever, rash, joint pain and swelling. The diagnosis of Still's disease is usually based on the presence of certain signs and symptoms, but blood tests can also be used to help confirm the diagnosis.
The most common blood tests used to diagnose Still's disease are the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and the C-reactive protein (CRP) test.
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): The ESR test measures the rate of red blood cells falling to the bottom of a tall tube in one hour. It is used to detect inflammation in the body. People with Still's disease typically have an elevated ESR, which can help confirm the diagnosis.
C-Reactive Protein (CRP): The CRP test measures the amount of CRP, a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation in the body. People with Still's disease typically have elevated levels of CRP, which can help to confirm the diagnosis.
In addition to these two tests, other blood tests may be done to help diagnose Still's disease, such as a complete blood count, liver function tests, and rheumatoid factor tests.
It is important to note that a positive result on these tests does not necessarily mean that someone has Still's disease. These tests should be interpreted in conjunction with other signs and symptoms to reach a diagnosis.