What is a common laboratory test to screen for autoimmune diseases?

What is a common laboratory test to screen for autoimmune diseases?

• A. Complete blood count
• B. Antinuclear antibody test (ANA)
• C. Basic metabolic panel
• D. Thyroid function tests

Answer: (B)

The antinuclear antibody test (ANA) is a common laboratory test used to screen for autoimmune diseases. This test measures the presence of antinuclear antibodies in the blood, which are autoantibodies that target substances within the nucleus of cells. A positive ANA test is often associated with various autoimmune conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren's syndrome. Therefore, the ANA test is a fundamental component in the diagnosis and monitoring of autoimmune disorders. Other tests listed, while useful in certain contexts, do not specifically screen for autoimmune diseases. A complete blood count can provide information about overall health and detect a variety of conditions, but it does not identify the presence of autoimmune disease specifically. The basic metabolic panel measures substances like glucose and electrolytes, offering insights into metabolic and kidney function rather than autoimmune conditions. Thyroid function tests assess the health of the thyroid gland and can indicate autoimmune thyroid diseases but are not general screens for all autoimmune disorders. Thus, the antinuclear antibody test stands out as the most relevant for screening autoimmune diseases.

The antinuclear antibody test (ANA) is a common laboratory test used to screen for autoimmune diseases. This test measures the presence of antinuclear antibodies in the blood, which are autoantibodies that target substances within the nucleus of cells. A positive ANA test is often associated with various autoimmune conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren's syndrome. Therefore, the ANA test is a fundamental component in the diagnosis and monitoring of autoimmune disorders.

Other tests listed, while useful in certain contexts, do not specifically screen for autoimmune diseases. A complete blood count can provide information about overall health and detect a variety of conditions, but it does not identify the presence of autoimmune disease specifically. The basic metabolic panel measures substances like glucose and electrolytes, offering insights into metabolic and kidney function rather than autoimmune conditions. Thyroid function tests assess the health of the thyroid gland and can indicate autoimmune thyroid diseases but are not general screens for all autoimmune disorders. Thus, the antinuclear antibody test stands out as the most relevant for screening autoimmune diseases.