Autoimmune Disease Tests

Test Overview

Tests for autoimmune diseases measure the amount of certain antibodies, Opens dialog in your blood. Your body makes antibodies to attack and destroy substances such as bacteria and viruses. But in autoimmune diseases, the antibodies attack and destroy your body's tissues. This can lead to diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Opens dialog, scleroderma, Opens dialog, and lupus, Opens dialog. These health problems affect the connective tissues, such as the skin and joints, and blood vessels and other tissues.

Autoimmune tests may include anti-dsDNA, anti-RNP, anti-Smith (or anti-Sm), anti-Sjogren's SSA and SSB, anti-scleroderma or anti-Scl-70, anti-Jo-1, and anti-CCP. Antibody against cardiolipin also may be tested.

If you have several of these antibodies—or have them in high amounts—you may have an autoimmune disease.

You may have had an antinuclear antibody test, or ANA. This test is often done first to look for antibodies that can cause autoimmune problems. A rheumatoid factor test is also done to look for rheumatoid arthritis.

Your doctor will look at several things to decide if you have one of these conditions. The doctor will look at your symptoms and the results of these and other tests.