Question 1

What is Autoimmune Disease?

Accepted Answer

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues instead of foreign invaders. They are caused by immune system dysfunction where antibodies and immune proteins target the body's own organs and systems. The Liver Function Profile is the most important test for autoimmune disease screening because it measures globulin proteins that elevate when the immune system mounts an inflammatory response against its own tissues.

Question 2

What causes autoimmune disease?

Accepted Answer

Autoimmune diseases are caused by immune system dysfunction where your body produces antibodies and immune cells that attack healthy tissues instead of foreign invaders like bacteria or viruses. The exact trigger varies by condition, but genetic factors, environmental exposures, infections, and hormonal changes can all contribute to the immune system losing its ability to distinguish between self and non-self. Common autoimmune conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and celiac disease, each targeting different organs or body systems.

Question 3

What is the best test for autoimmune disease?

Accepted Answer

The Liver Function Profile is the most important test for autoimmune disease screening because it measures globulin proteins that elevate dramatically when your immune system attacks your own tissues. Elevated globulin levels serve as a red flag for autoimmune activity. The Protein Electrophoresis and Kappa/Lambda Light Chains test is essential for deeper evaluation, as it separates different blood proteins including gamma globulins that increase during autoimmune responses. Additionally, the Rubella Immune Status and Measles Antibody tests can reveal abnormally high antibody levels indicating immune system overactivity and dysfunction characteristic of autoimmune processes.

Question 4

When should I get tested for autoimmune disease?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience persistent unexplained fatigue, joint pain or swelling, recurring fevers, skin rashes, digestive issues, or muscle weakness that lasts for weeks or months. Testing is especially important if you have a family history of autoimmune conditions, notice symptoms that come and go in flare-ups, or have multiple seemingly unrelated health issues affecting different body systems. Early detection through blood testing helps identify autoimmune activity before significant organ damage occurs and allows for prompt treatment to manage symptoms and prevent progression.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of autoimmune disease?

Accepted Answer

Autoimmune disease symptoms vary widely depending on which organs or systems are affected, but common signs include chronic fatigue that does not improve with rest, joint pain and stiffness, muscle aches and weakness, recurring low-grade fevers, skin rashes or color changes, hair loss, digestive problems, numbness and tingling in hands and feet, brain fog and difficulty concentrating, and unexplained weight changes. Many people experience symptom flare-ups followed by periods of remission. Because symptoms often overlap with other conditions and can affect multiple body systems simultaneously, blood tests are essential for identifying the underlying autoimmune process.

Question 6

Who is at risk for autoimmune disease?

Accepted Answer

Women are at significantly higher risk for autoimmune diseases, accounting for about 80% of cases, with peak onset typically occurring during childbearing years. People with a family history of autoimmune conditions have increased susceptibility due to genetic factors. Certain ethnic groups face elevated risk, including African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans. Environmental factors like smoking, exposure to chemicals or toxins, certain infections, and chronic stress can trigger autoimmune responses in genetically predisposed individuals. Having one autoimmune disease increases your risk of developing additional autoimmune conditions.

Question 7

What happens if autoimmune disease is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated autoimmune diseases cause progressive damage to affected organs and tissues as the immune system continues its attack unchecked. This can lead to permanent organ dysfunction, chronic pain, severe disability, and life-threatening complications depending on which systems are involved. For example, untreated rheumatoid arthritis destroys joints, untreated lupus damages kidneys and heart, and untreated type 1 diabetes causes dangerous blood sugar fluctuations. Chronic inflammation from autoimmune activity increases risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, infections, and certain cancers. Early diagnosis through blood testing and prompt treatment prevents or slows irreversible damage.

Question 8

Can autoimmune disease be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests are essential tools for diagnosing autoimmune diseases by detecting immune markers, measuring inflammatory proteins, and identifying specific antibodies that attack your own tissues. Tests like the Liver Function Profile reveal elevated globulin proteins indicating immune system activation, while Protein Electrophoresis measures gamma globulin levels that rise during autoimmune responses. However, diagnosis typically requires multiple blood tests combined with your symptom history, physical examination, and sometimes imaging or tissue biopsies. No single blood test diagnoses all autoimmune conditions, but specific antibody tests exist for individual diseases like antinuclear antibodies for lupus or rheumatoid factor for rheumatoid arthritis.

Question 9

How is autoimmune disease treated?

Accepted Answer

Autoimmune disease treatment focuses on suppressing the overactive immune response, reducing inflammation, and managing symptoms to prevent organ damage. Immunosuppressive medications like corticosteroids, methotrexate, and biologics help control the immune system attack. Anti-inflammatory drugs reduce pain and swelling. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs slow disease progression. Treatment plans are highly individualized based on which autoimmune condition you have, symptom severity, and affected organs. Regular blood tests monitor disease activity and treatment effectiveness. Lifestyle modifications including stress management, adequate sleep, regular exercise, and an anti-inflammatory diet support medical treatment.

Question 10

How can I prevent autoimmune disease?

Accepted Answer

While you cannot completely prevent autoimmune diseases if you have genetic susceptibility, you can reduce risk and delay onset by avoiding known triggers. Stop smoking, which significantly increases autoimmune disease risk. Minimize exposure to environmental toxins and chemicals. Maintain a healthy diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, fatty fish, and whole grains while limiting processed foods and sugar. Manage stress through meditation, yoga, or counseling. Get adequate sleep and regular moderate exercise. Address infections promptly. Maintain a healthy weight and gut microbiome through probiotics and fermented foods. Regular blood testing helps detect early autoimmune markers before symptoms develop.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with autoimmune disease?

Accepted Answer

Natural approaches can complement medical treatment for autoimmune diseases by reducing inflammation and supporting immune system balance. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil reduce inflammatory responses. Vitamin D supplementation improves immune regulation, as many autoimmune patients are deficient. Turmeric and curcumin have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Probiotics support gut health, which plays a crucial role in immune function. Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha help manage stress that triggers flare-ups. Regular gentle exercise like walking, swimming, or yoga reduces inflammation without overtaxing your body. However, natural remedies should supplement, not replace, medical treatment prescribed by your healthcare provider based on your blood test results.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Autoimmune Disease Blood Test

What is Autoimmune Disease?

What causes autoimmune disease?

What is the best test for autoimmune disease?

When should I get tested for autoimmune disease?

References

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