Autoimmune Screening Test

Autoimmune Test Panel

In a normally functioning immune system, white blood cells attack foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses. In autoimmunity, antibodies tag normal healthy cells. This causes white blood cells to attack and destroy those cells as if they were foreign invaders.

What Causes Autoimmune Diseases?

Autoimmune diseases are becoming extremely common in western civilizations. Many researchers strictly believe that genetic predispositions are to blame. What many do not know is the fact that even our diet determine whether or not genes are turned on or turned off. For example, low vitamin D levels are closely associated with autoimmunity₁. Why? Vitamin D changes gene expressions of white blood cells so they do not mistake “self” from “non-self”, keeping autoimmunity at bay.

Chemical exposures such as pesticides in and on foods is also a major promoter of automimmunity₂. These chemicals can alter hormones and “confuse” the immune system thus increasing the risk of autoimmunity.

What’s Being Tested:

Since many with autoimmunity have more than one tissue being attacked, this test panel screens for the top 4 most common autoimmune conditions. If positive, other tests may need to be ordered to confirm (see individual categories).

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid Arthritis Factor (RA Factor)
• Lupus (SLE) and other autoimmune conditions: Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA)
• Celiac Disease: Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) IgA + IgG Antibodies
• Hashimotos’ Hypothyroidism: Thyroglobulin Antibodies + Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TGA/TPO Antibodies)
• Highly recommended add-on test: Vitamin D
  

Specimen Type: Blood (Draw Location | How It Works | FAQs)

Fasting: No

¹Am J Clin Nutr December 2004 vol. 80 no. 6 1678S-1688S

²Volume 127, Issues 1-3, 28 February 2002, Pages 101-109