Description

If you're experiencing persistent symptoms such as joint pain, fatigue, muscle weakness, dry eyes or mouth, or skin rashes, it could be more than just everyday stress or aging. These symptoms may be signs of an autoimmune disease, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. The Autoimmune Analyzer Blood Test is a powerful diagnostic tool designed to uncover the root cause of your symptoms.

What Does This Test Measure?

This test includes a wide array of biomarkers—autoantibodies and immune proteins—that help identify autoimmune activity and guide accurate diagnosis. Each of these markers plays a specific role in pinpointing different autoimmune conditions:

  • ANA (Antinuclear Antibody): A broad screening test for autoimmune activity. Positive ANA can indicate lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, or mixed connective tissue disease. The ANA will only reflex if positive.
  • Anti-Centromere: Commonly associated with limited scleroderma and CREST syndrome.
  • Anti-Chromatin: Linked to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), especially cases with kidney involvement.
  • Anti-Jo-1: Strongly associated with polymyositis and dermatomyositis, conditions that affect the muscles and skin.
  • Anti-Ribosomal P Protein (Anti-RIBOP): A marker that may be present in neuropsychiatric lupus and systemic lupus erythematosus.
  • Anti-RNP: Indicative of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD), and can also appear in lupus or scleroderma.
  • Anti-SSA (Ro) and Anti-SSB (La): Frequently seen in Sjögren’s syndrome and lupus, especially in those with skin involvement or neonatal lupus.
  • Anti-Scl-70 (Topoisomerase I): Highly specific for diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (scleroderma).
  • Anti-Sm: A definitive marker for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, though found in a smaller subset of patients.
  • Anti-Sm/RNP: May occur in lupus and other overlap syndromes involving multiple connective tissue diseases.
  • Anti-TPO (Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies): Indicates autoimmune thyroid disorders, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease.
  • Anti-dsDNA (Double-Stranded DNA): Highly specific for lupus and correlated with disease activity, especially kidney involvement.
  • C3 and C4 Complement Levels: Low levels suggest ongoing autoimmune activity, particularly in lupus and other complement-consuming diseases.
  • RF IgM (Rheumatoid Factor): Found in Rheumatoid Arthritis and occasionally in other autoimmune or infectious conditions.

Why Is This Test Important?

  • Comprehensive Assessment: By analyzing multiple antibodies, this test helps distinguish between overlapping autoimmune diseases that often present with similar symptoms.
  • Informed Treatment Planning: Pinpointing the exact condition enables your healthcare provider to tailor treatment strategies more effectively.
  • Proactive Health Management: Early detection can prevent complications and improve long-term outcomes through timely intervention.

When and How to Take the Test

  • No fasting is required, and the blood draw is quick and simple.
  • Available Monday through Friday, before 4 p.m., for your convenience.