Autoimmune disorders run in families and are caused when the body's immune system begins to attack healthy tissue - this causes inflammation and damage. Symptoms are known as particular branches of autoimmune disease, such as thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s or Graves’ Disease), lupus, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and coeliac disease for example. Several symptoms can be associated which means an individual's family members could be diagnosed with different symptoms of autoimmune disease.
Characteristics of autoimmune disorders may include chronic, progressive arthritic symptoms, fever, fatigue, muscle weakness, and/or a rash that can not readily be explained.
What we test
Autoantibodies Test
Autoantibodies may attack the body’s own cells causing signs and symptoms such as tissue and organ inflammation, joint and muscle pain, and fatigue.
The antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is a marker of the autoimmune process that is positive with a variety of autoimmune diseases.
Rheumatoid factor is a type of autoantibody which is often elevated in inflammation, for example inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Inflammation
C-reactive protein is often the first evidence of inflammation or an infection in the body. Its concentration increases in the blood within a few hours after the start of infection or other inflammatory injury. ESR measures the degree of inflammation present in the body.
A high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) test measures low levels of CRP and may be used to help evaluate an individual for risk of cardiovascular disease
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) is an indirect measure of the degree of inflammation present in the body. Increased blood levels of certain proteins (such as fibrinogen or immunoglobulins, which are increased in inflammation) increase the ESR.
Complement
The complement system are proteins that work together to promote immune and inflammatory responses. Deficiencies or abnormalities in these proteins may contribute to increased infections or increased autoimmune activity.
Complement components may be measured individually and together to determine whether the system is functioning normally. C3 and C4 are the most frequently measured complement proteins.
Complement components may be measured individually and together to determine whether the system is functioning normally. C3 and C4 are the most frequently measured complement proteins.
Test instructions
Download and print your pathology form from your i-screen dashboard.
Take your form to one of our affiliated collection centres to have your sample taken.
You do not need to fast for this blood test.
You may also be interested in
HLA-B27
Coeliac Check
Thyroid Antibodies Check
