Autoimmune diseases can be difficult to diagnose because they share many of the same symptoms as other conditions. Lab tests are an important tool for diagnosing autoimmune diseases. The best lab test for autoimmune diseases depends on the type of autoimmune disorder being tested for.
Types of Lab Tests for Autoimmune Diseases
Common lab tests used to diagnose autoimmune diseases include:
• Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test measures the number of red and white blood cells in the body. An abnormal CBC can indicate an autoimmune disorder.
• Antinuclear Antibody Test (ANA): This test measures the presence of antinuclear antibodies in the body. Antinuclear antibodies are proteins that can attack healthy cells, which is a sign of an autoimmune disorder.
• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): This test measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a test tube. An elevated ESR can indicate an autoimmune disorder.
• C-Reactive Protein Test (CRP): This test measures the level of CRP, a protein produced in response to inflammation. An elevated CRP can indicate an autoimmune disorder.
• Rheumatoid Factor (RF): This test measures the level of RF in the body. RF is an antibody that can be elevated in people with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.
Tests for Specific Autoimmune Diseases
In addition to the tests listed above, there are tests that are specific to certain autoimmune diseases. For example, a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test can be used to diagnose thyroid disorders such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. A double-stranded DNA test can be used to diagnose lupus.
Conclusion
The best lab test for autoimmune diseases depends on the type of autoimmune disorder being tested for. Common lab tests used to diagnose autoimmune diseases include the CBC, ANA, ESR, CRP, and RF tests. There are also tests that are specific to certain autoimmune diseases, such as the TSH test for thyroid disorders and the double-stranded DNA test for lupus.
