Immune System

The 14-3-3eta protein is a marker of synovial inflammation that is released into synovial fluid and peripheral blood in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and erosive psoriatic arthritis.

At the normal neuromuscular junction, a nerve cell tells a muscle cell to contract by releasing the chemical acetylcholine (ACh). ACh attaches to the ACh receptor — a pore or “channel” in the surface of the muscle cell —

The Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) test tells you how many seconds (s) it takes your blood to form a clot after body tissue(s) or blood vessel walls were injured.

- Alpha-2-Macroglobulin is produced in the liver. - Increased concentrations are associated with patients with some chronic liver diseases, nephrotic syndrome, and diabetes. - Decreased concentrations are associated with patients with pancreati

ANA IFA is a first line screen for detecting the presence of up to approximately 150 autoantibodies in various autoimmune diseases. A positive ANA IFA result is suggestive of autoimmune disease and reflexes to titer and pattern. Further laboratory te

ANA IFA is a first line screen for detecting the presence of up to approximately 150 autoantibodies in various autoimmune diseases. A positive ANA IFA result is suggestive of autoimmune disease and reflexes to titer and pattern. Further laboratory te

ANA IFA is a first line screen for detecting the presence of up to approximately 150 autoantibodies in various autoimmune diseases. A positive ANA IFA result is suggestive of autoimmune disease and reflexes to titer and pattern. Further laboratory te

The ANA titer is a measure of the amount of ANA in the blood; the higher the titer, the more autoantibodies are present in the sample. Patient samples are often screened for antinuclear antibodies after being diluted 1:40 and 1:160 in a buffered s

Serial testing shows that increasing amounts of IgG anti-C1q predict renal flares in SLE patients. Elevated serum titers of anti-C1q antibodies tend to be associated with proliferative forms of lupus, glomerulonephritis and subendothelial deposits of

The anti-dsDNA test identifies the presence of these autoantibodies in the blood. The test for anti-dsDNA, along with other autoantibody tests, may be used to help establish a diagnosis of lupus and distinguish it from other autoimmune disorders.

The anti-double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) tests are used to help diagnose and monitor lupus, also called systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE, a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly targets the body’s ow

The Anti-Smith Antibody targets your body’s own proteins and is found almost exclusively in people with lupus. Though not all people with lupus have this antibody (only around 30%), those who do usually receive a diagnosis of lupus. A

- Anticardiolipins are antibodies produced by the immune system against the platelet membrane phospholipids responsible for the coagulation of blood clots.  - Anticardiolipin antibodies are often responsible (with lupus anticoagulants and bet

- Anticardiolipins are antibodies produced by the immune system against the platelet membrane phospholipids responsible for the coagulation of blood clots.  - Anticardiolipin antibodies are often responsible (with lupus anticoagulants and bet

- Anticardiolipins are antibodies produced by the immune system against the platelet membrane phospholipids responsible for the coagulation of blood clots.  - Anticardiolipin antibodies are often responsible (with lupus anticoagulants and bet

Antinuclear antibodies or ANAs are autoantibodies that react to substances within the nucleus of the cell. Antinuclear antibodies can react to almost anything with the nucleus including DNA, centromeres, histones, ribosomes, and other nuclear protein

This test is used as an aid in the diagnosis of certain autoimmune thrombotic disorders, such as antiphospholipid syndrome (aPS). Antibodies to PS/PT correlate with the presence of lupus anticoagulants (LA) and this test may be useful in cases with d

This test is used as an aid in the diagnosis of certain autoimmune thrombotic disorders, such as antiphospholipid syndrome (aPS). Antibodies to PS/PT correlate with the presence of lupus anticoagulants (LA) and this test may be useful in cases with d

This test is used as an aid in the diagnosis of certain autoimmune thrombotic disorders, such as antiphospholipid syndrome (aPS). Antibodies to PS/PT correlate with the presence of lupus anticoagulants (LA) and this test may be useful in cases with d

C1 inhibitor is a multispecific, protease inhibitor that is present in normal human plasma and serum, and which regulates enzymes of the complement, coagulation, fibrinolytic, and kinin-forming systems. The enzymes (proteases) regulated by this prote

Measurement of the C1 esterase inhibitor (the first component of the complement) is used to diagnose hereditary angioedema and to monitor levels of the inhibitor during treatment. The complement system is a group of nearly 60 proteins in

desArg = without arginine C3a desArg is a cleavage product of C3 complement component activation. Elevated levels of C3a have been reported in patients with acute lyme disease, acute pancreatitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and adult respi

- Anticardiolipins are antibodies produced by the immune system against the platelet membrane phospholipids responsible for the coagulation of blood clots.  - Anticardiolipin antibodies are often responsible (with lupus anticoagulants and bet

- Anticardiolipins are antibodies produced by the immune system against the platelet membrane phospholipids responsible for the coagulation of blood clots.  - Anticardiolipin antibodies are often responsible (with lupus anticoagulants and bet

- Anticardiolipins are antibodies produced by the immune system against the platelet membrane phospholipids responsible for the coagulation of blood clots.  - Anticardiolipin antibodies are often responsible (with lupus anticoagulants and bet

Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) is an antibody present in most rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Centromere B Antibody is diagnostic for the form of scleroderma known as CREST (calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal immotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia). With a high specificity and a prevalence of 80 to 95%, antibodies agai

Help to diagnose drug-induced lupus (DIL) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Antibodies to both chromatin and histones have been found in patients with procainamide-induced lupus; however, patients with lupus induced by drugs such as quinidine,

Coccidioides Antibodies by Complement Fixation (CF) is a serological blood test used to detect antibodies produced by the body in response to the fungal pathogen Coccidioides immitis/posadasii. This test is employed in diagnosing and monitoring cocci

Coccidioides Ab, IgG, EIA refers to a laboratory test that detects IgG antibodies against the fungus Coccidioides immitis, which causes coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley Fever. This test is used to diagnose and monitor infections caused by thi

Measurements of serum complement components C3 is useful in the diagnosis and monitoring of immune complex disease e.g. SLE (Systemic lupus erythematosus) and some blood associated infectious diseases. Complement concentrations are acute phase p

C3 is the most abundant protein of the complement system. C3 can be cleaved in two divalent fragments, where C3b is the larger fragment. C3a is the smaller fragment that is released into the surrounding fluids. C3a can bind to receptors on basophils

Complement component 4 (C4) is a blood test that measures the activity of a certain protein. This protein is part of the complement system.

Complement C4a levels can be elevated in conditions associated with inflammation, such as autoimmune diseases, infections, and some neurological disorders. It can also be used in the evaluation of certain pregnancy-related conditions.

A total complement measurement, also known as a total hemolytic complement or a CH50 measurement, checks how well the complement system is functioning. Complement was discovered by Jules Bordet as a heat-labile component of normal plasma that caus

A total complement measurement, also known as a total hemolytic complement or a CH50 measurement, checks how well the complement system is functioning. Complement was discovered by Jules Bordet as a heat-labile component of normal plasma that caus

To help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and differentiate it from other types of arthritis.

Dilute Russell's viper venom time (dRVVT) is a laboratory test often used for detection of lupus anticoagulant (LA). Russell's viper venom [RVV] isolated from the snake Daboia russelii contains a potent activator of factor

Useful to evaluate patients with signs and symptoms consistent with lupus erythematosus (SLE). Of the systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-specific antibodies the antibodies to double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) is the most common. Testing for IgG antib

Dilute Russell's viper venom time (dRVVT) is a laboratory test often used for detection of lupus anticoagulant (LA). Russell's viper venom [RVV] isolated from the snake Daboia russelii contains a potent activator of factor

Evaluating patients with signs and symptoms consistent with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

The anti-double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) tests are used to help diagnose and monitor lupus, also called systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE, a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly targets the body’s ow

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR or sed rate) is a relatively simple, inexpensive, non-specific test that has been used for many years to help detect inflammation associated with conditions such as infections, cancers, and 

The Wheat Allergy test looks for IgE antibodies which the body develops in response to proteins found in wheat.  Today almost a half of the calories consumed by the human population worldwide come from cereals, with wheat being the most popul

Light chains are proteins produced by immune cells called plasma cells. Also called kappa light chains, they link together with other proteins (heavy chains) to form immunoglobulins (= antibodies) that target and neutralize specific threats to the bo

Light chains are proteins produced by immune cells called plasma cells. Also called “Free Lambda Light Chains” they link together with other proteins (heavy chains) to form immunoglobulins (= antibodies) that

The Gastrin test is a simple blood test that checks for excess gastrin production. Gastrin is a hormone your stomach makes to fuel the release of gastric acid. Your body needs this to digest and absorb nutrients in your food, part

Histamine is a substance that is produced by the body as part of an allergic reaction.

This test distinguishes drug-induced lupus from other lupus variants and autoimmune conditions. Though not a definitive diagnostic tool, histone antibodies align with drug-induced lupus. It's often ordered alongside a positive ANA test and someti

- To determine whether you have human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27) on the surface of your cells - To help assess the likelihood that you have an autoimmune disorder associated with the presence of HLA-B27. - Autoimmune disorders occur when t

Immature granulocytes are white blood cells that are immature. Whenever your body is fighting an infection, it will increase its white blood cell count, and more white blood cells will be immature.

Immature granulocytes are white blood cells that are immature. Whenever your body is fighting an infection, it will increase its white blood cell count, and more white blood cells will be immature.

Immunofixation electrophoresis or immunosubtraction capillary electrophoresis identifies the type of immunoglobulin protein(s) present as monoclonal bands on a protein electrophoresis pattern. Typically, this testing determines the presence and

IgA antibodies are found in areas of the body such the nose, breathing passages, digestive tract, ears, eyes, and vagina. IgA antibodies protect body surfaces that are exposed to outside foreign substances. This type of antibody is also found in sali

Immunoglobulin D (IgD) is an antibody isotype that makes up about 1% of proteins in the plasma membranes of immature B-lymphocytes where it is usually coexpressed with another cell surface antibody called IgM. Remains in the bloodstream to fi

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) are antibodies produced by the immune system.  IgE antibodies are found in the lungs, skin, and mucous membranes. They cause the body to react against foreign substances such as pollen, fungus spores, and animal dander.

Immunoglobulin G (IgG), the most abundant type of antibody, is found in all body fluids and protects against bacterial and viral infections.

Immunoglobulin M (IgM), which is found mainly in the blood and lymph fluid, is the first antibody to be made by the body to fight a new infection. Expressed on the surface of B cells (monomer) and in a secreted form (pentamer) with very high avi

Interleukin 2 (IL-2) is a pleiotropic (=having multiple effects from a single gene) cytokine produced primarily by mitogen- or antigen- activated T lymphocytes. Interleukin 2 is an important disease marker in hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (

Interleukin-6 is involved in inflammation and infection responses and also in the regulation of metabolic, regenerative, and neural processes.

This test measures the amount of antibodies to anti-Jo-1 in blood. It is used to help diagnose and manage muscle diseases that affects the immune system such as polymyositis (a type of chronic inflammation of the muscles) associated with autoimm

Presence of Jo-1 (antihistidyl transfer RNA [t-RNA] synthetase) antibody is associated with polymyositis and may also be seen in patients with dermatomyositis. Polymyositis is one of a group of rare diseases called the inflammatory myopathies

Free light chains will normally be present in the blood at low levels, with a kappa/lambda ratio of approximately 0.26 to 1.65 for individuals with normal kidney function. Excess production of free kappa or lambda chains can alter this ratio. Mono

These antibodies target a human body’s produced enzyme called cytochrome P450 2D6, a protein found primarily in liver cells which catalyze many reactions involved in drug metabolism. The development of the LKM antibodies is strongly associ

Lupus anticoagulants are antibodies against substances in the lining of cells. These substances prevent blood clotting in a test tube.

The measles virus belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family, which also includes parainfluenza virus serotypes 1-4, mumps, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and metapneumovirus. Measles is highly contagious, primarily transmitted through direct contact

The mumps virus belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family, which also encompasses parainfluenza virus serotypes 1-4, measles, respiratory syncytial virus, and metapneumovirus. Mumps is highly contagious, primarily transmitted through inhaling infected re

Anti-phosphatidylethanolamine (aPE) is an autoimmune condition characterized by the presence of circulating antibodies against phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and is associated with clinical symptoms of thrombosis and repeated pregnancy loss.

Anti-phosphatidylethanolamine (aPE) is an autoimmune condition characterized by the presence of circulating antibodies against phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and is associated with clinical symptoms of thrombosis and repeated pregnancy loss.

Anti-phosphatidylethanolamine (aPE) is an autoimmune condition characterized by the presence of circulating antibodies against phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and is associated with clinical symptoms of thrombosis and repeated pregnancy loss.

The presence of phosphatidylserine antibodies may be associated with thrombosis, fetal loss and thrombocytopenia.

The presence of phosphatidylserine antibodies may be associated with thrombosis, fetal loss and thrombocytopenia.

The presence of phosphatidylserine antibodies may be associated with thrombosis, fetal loss and thrombocytopenia.

PAI-1 is a serine protein inhibitor that is secreted in response to inflammatory reactions. PAI-1 is the main inhibitor of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) and urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and, as such, plays an important role in t

Prothrombin Fragment 1.2 is stable degradation product and its measurement in plasma can be used as a marker of Thrombin generation. Measurement of F1+2 has been used to diagnose Pre-thrombotic states and Thrombotic disorders and in addition to monit

Prothrombin time (PT) is a blood test that measures the time it takes for the liquid portion (plasma) of your blood to clot.

Prothrombin time (PT) is a blood test that measures the time it takes for the liquid portion (plasma) of your blood to clot. 

The rheumatoid arthritis (RA) latex turbid test is a laboratory test that’s used to help your doctor diagnose rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.

The reptilase clotting time measures the rate of fibrin clot formation after the addition of reptilase, a proteolytic enzyme derived from the venom of Bothrops atrox, to citrated plasma. Reptilase is a thrombin-like enzyme.  Unlike thrombi

What is the Rheumatoid factor (RF) test? The rheumatoid factor (RF) test is a blood test that's often used to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The test measures the amount of RF in your blood. What is the Rheumatoid factor? The r

RNP/Sm Antibody is an extractable nuclear antigen (ENA) associated with Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). Extractable nuclear antigens (ENA) are autoantibodies in the blood that react with proteins in the cell nucleus. These proteins are kno

Scl-70 is also known as Topoisomerase I Antibody. Topoisomerase I antibodies were initially named Scl-70 based on immunoblot detection of a 70-kDa protein. The prevalence of Scl-70 antibodies in SSc varies widely across geographies and ethnicit

Sm antibodies are specific for lupus erythematosus (LE) and occur in approximately 30% of LE patients. The levels of Sm antibodies remain relatively constant over time in patients with LE and are usually found in patients that also have RNP (ribonucl

SM/RNP Antibody is an extractable nuclear antigen (ENA) associated with Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). Extractable nuclear antigens (ENA) are autoantibodies in the blood that react with proteins in the cell nucleus. These proteins are kno

Anti-Ro (SS-A) is an autoantibody associated with SLE or Sjögren’s syndrome. Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly reacts to the tissue in glands that produce moisture

Anti-SS-B (anti-La) is an autoantibody associated with SLE or Sjögren’s syndrome. Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly reacts to the tissue in glands that produce moi

ssDNA is an autoimmune diagnostic test that detects autoantibodies against single stranded DNA (ssDNA). Antibodies to single-stranded DNA is seen in a wide variety of autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematous (SLE), drug-indu

Tetanus is a serious disease caused by the toxin from Clostridium tetani bacteria. The toxin makes its way into the nervous system and causes muscle spasms and rigid muscles. If you have been vaccinated for tetanus in the past, this test should sh

Transforming Growth Factor (TGF) plays a crucial role in tissue regeneration, cell differentiation, embryonic development, and regulation of the immune system. Transforming growth factor beta is found in hematopoietic (blood-forming) tissue and initi

Thrombin is an enzyme in the blood that acts on the clotting factor fibrinogen to form fibrin, helping blood to clot. The thrombin time assesses the activity of fibrinogen.

The Thrombin-Antithrombin Complex keeps clotting in check. Thrombin-Antithrombin (TAT) Complex is a parameter of coagulation (= the process by which a blood clot is formed in order to stop bleeding) and fibrinolysis (= prevents blood clots that oc

Transforming growth factor (TGF-beta) is a multifunctional peptide growth factor that has an important role in the regulation of cell growth, differentiation, and repair in a variety of tissues.

Tryptase is an enzyme that is released, along with histamine and other chemicals, from mast cells when they are activated as part of a normal immune response as well as in allergic (hypersensitivity) responses.

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes both varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles). VZV produces a generalized vesicular rash on the dermis (chickenpox) in normal children, usually before 10 years of age. After primary infection with VZV, t

VEGF stands for Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor. VEGF is a growth factor that promotes the growth of new blood vessels.

What Is a Von Willebrand Factor Antigen Test? Von Willebrand factor is involved in a few stages of blood clotting. Proteins called clotting factors are needed for blood to clot properly and help prevent too much bleeding. A von Willebrand

A von Willebrand factor (vWF) activity – ristocetin cofactor test lets you evaluate the functioning of the protein vWF, which helps blood to clot. A clot is a lump of blood that the body produces to prevent excessive bleeding by sealing le