Question
I need dsDNA, ena, scl-70, ssa, and ssb blood tests.  I don't know what these terms for the test mean.  Can you explain them, or tell what it is they are testing for?
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE

KIM SLOAN

THANK YOU

Answer
Kim,

These tests look for different types of antibodies in your blood. Different autoimmune diseases can produce different types of antibodies.

I looks like you doctor recognizes from your symptoms that you have some type of rheumatic type of disease and is trying to figure out which one it is. These tests are used in diagnosing different autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis,  polymyositis, scleroderma, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, juvenile diabetes mellitus, Addison disease, vitiligo, pernicious anemia, glomerulonephritis, and pulmonary fibrosis.

Most likely your doctor is trying to rule out these conditions.

The good news is your doctor is being thorough. Some doctors will look at the symptoms and a couple of standard tests and say you have rheumatoid arthritis and begin treatment. Having a proper diagnosis can mean a great deal when treating a disease. While treatment of many of these conditions can be similar, know the exact cause of the symptoms will mean better treatment.

I wish you the best

Rusty
http://arthritis-symptom.com/