Description

The Autoimmune Antibody Profile is a comprehensive panel that screens for a wide range of autoantibodies—immune proteins that mistakenly target your own tissues. The presence of these antibodies can help diagnose or monitor autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, Sjögren’s syndrome, autoimmune thyroid disease, and others.

This blood test is ideal for patients with chronic, unexplained symptoms or those seeking a deeper look into potential autoimmune dysfunction.

What’s Included – Biomarker Descriptions

1. Rheumatoid Factor (RF), Quantitative

An antibody often elevated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). High levels may indicate joint inflammation or autoimmune activity affecting the synovial membranes.

2. Complement C3 & C4

These proteins are part of the immune system’s complement pathway.

  • Low C3 and/or C4 may suggest active lupus, especially lupus nephritis.
  • These levels can also help track disease activity and flares.

3. SS-A (Ro) & SS-B (La) Antibodies

  • SS-A (Ro): Common in Sjögren’s syndrome and lupus. May also be associated with neonatal lupus.
  • SS-B (La): Almost always found alongside SS-A, particularly in primary Sjögren’s syndrome.

4. Smith (Sm) Antibody

Highly specific for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), though not always present. A positive result is considered confirmatory for lupus.

5. RNP (U1-RNP) Antibody

Frequently seen in mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) and also in some lupus cases. Useful for evaluating overlap syndromes.

6. dsDNA (Double-Stranded DNA) Antibody

A hallmark antibody for lupus, especially when lupus nephritis is present. Its levels often correlate with disease activity.

7. SmRNP (Smith/RNP Complex) Antibody

Appears in some lupus and connective tissue overlap syndromes. Supports the identification of autoimmune connective tissue disease.

8. Ribosomal P Antibody

Associated with neuropsychiatric lupus, including lupus-related depression, mood disorders, and central nervous system involvement.

9. Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) Antibody

A key marker for autoimmune thyroid disease like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease. Indicates immune attack on the thyroid gland.

10. Scl-70 (Topoisomerase I) Antibody

Highly specific for diffuse systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). Often linked to more severe skin thickening and lung involvement.

11. Centromere B Antibody

Strongly associated with limited scleroderma (CREST syndrome), a milder form of systemic sclerosis. Often indicates slower disease progression.

12. Jo-1 Antibody

Seen in polymyositis and dermatomyositis. Indicates muscle inflammation and is often linked to interstitial lung disease.

13. Chromatin Antibody

Linked to systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune conditions. Presence may suggest increased immune system activation.

14. CCP IgG (Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide IgG Antibody)

Highly specific for rheumatoid arthritis, even before symptoms appear. Helps distinguish RA from other types of arthritis.

Purpose of the Test

  • Diagnose or rule out autoimmune conditions
  • Evaluate overlapping autoimmune syndromes
  • Identify causes of chronic joint pain, fatigue, or inflammation
  • Establish a baseline for future autoimmune monitoring

Who Should Consider This Test?

  • Patients with symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, dry eyes, rashes, or swelling
  • Those with a family history of autoimmune disease
  • Individuals with positive ANA tests needing further evaluation
  • Anyone with multi-system, unexplained chronic symptoms

No fasting required.