Bones and joints, which play a role in performing voluntary movements in the body, also protect vital organs and support the body. Any disease occurring in the musculoskeletal system, which has crucial functions for life, can negatively affect a person’s health.
Movement restrictions, swelling, or deformities observed in the elements of the musculoskeletal system are grouped under the main category of rheumatism. Doctors specialized in the diagnosis, identification, and treatment of rheumatic diseases are called rheumatologists.
Rheumatism and rheumatic diseases affect not only the skeletal and muscular systems but also many other structures in the body. Unwanted conditions can arise in other systems such as the eyes, internal organs, skin, nervous system, and digestive system.
Due to the broad impact of rheumatological diseases, assistance from other medical branches is often required during treatment. Fields such as physical therapy, orthopedics, neurology, and endocrinology help in providing a multidisciplinary approach to treating rheumatic diseases.
Rheumatology diseases can be easily identified through rheumatology tests. Rheumatology tests conducted by expert rheumatologists in Viromed Laboratories help in making accurate and correct diagnoses.
How are Rheumatology Tests Performed?
ANA Test
The ANA test is used to check the production of anti-nuclear antibodies. This test is frequently used in diagnosing systemic or organ-specific autoimmune diseases. It is particularly important in detecting systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
A blood sample taken from the patient’s vein is used for the ANA test. There is no need for fasting or special conditions when giving blood. The ANA test, performed using the ELISA and IFA methods, is evaluated by microbiology experts.
In autoimmune rheumatic diseases, the ANA test result is usually positive, but this alone is not sufficient for a diagnosis. Clinical findings and test results are examined together to obtain more accurate information about the disease.
ANCA Test ANCA (Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies) are antibodies that the body produces against the antigens of neutrophils and monocytes. The ANCA test is used to determine whether these antigens are produced. It is highly effective in diagnosing certain autoimmune diseases.
The ANCA test is a complex blood test performed with a blood sample. ELISA and IFA methods are commonly used in the ANCA test. The test, which is performed without damaging the blood vessels in the body, prevents the disease from affecting a larger area.
PPD Test The PPD test is performed to determine whether a person has encountered the tuberculosis (TB) bacteria in the past. Some drugs used in the treatment of rheumatic diseases can activate the tuberculosis bacteria in the body. Several steps are followed when conducting the test.
PPD substance is administered to the person in the arm using an apparatus. Then, the area where the substance was administered is monitored for any swelling for three days. If the swelling is greater than 5 mm, the test result is considered positive.
Each type of rheumatology test performed in Viromed Laboratories shortens the diagnostic and treatment process of rheumatic diseases, enabling patients to return to their normal lives more quickly.
Factors Affecting Rheumatology Tests Like many other laboratory tests, rheumatology tests play a significant role in helping individuals recover their health. Factors that may affect test results should be prevented by laboratory staff, and the possibility of errors in the tests should be minimized.
Patient’s Condition The patient is at the center of every test. Therefore, before performing rheumatology tests, all information that may affect the patient’s health should be communicated to the doctor. Personal details such as the patient’s age, gender, weight, height, and any pre-existing diseases should be recorded accurately and completely. This helps prevent confusion that may arise after the test.
Medication Use Medications can trigger chemical reactions in our body, causing unexpected changes in our physiological balance. Many medications cause variations in cellular mechanisms. Therefore, before applying the rheumatology test, the patient should be asked whether they are taking any medications. If there are any, the doctor’s advice should be followed, and either the medication should be discontinued or continued based on the recommendations.
Laboratory Conditions
Sample Purity The condition of the sample used in rheumatology tests can affect the test result. The sample must not be contaminated by microorganisms and must not be altered or damaged during the time between collection and delivery to the laboratory. If the sample is exposed to any contamination or damage, it may lead to abnormal test results.
Tests that are affected by these and other factors may fail to provide accurate results. Inaccurate test results lead to wasted time for both the patient and doctor, additional costs, and the need for a repeat test. Rheumatology samples kept free from all such factors in Viromed Laboratories are beneficial in diagnosing diseases from many perspectives.
Diseases Evaluated in Rheumatology Tests
Rheumatology tests are used in the diagnostic process of many diseases. They are particularly useful in the diagnosis of diseases occurring in the skeletal and muscular systems.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system attacks the body’s own joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can cause swelling, pain, and stiffness in the joints. The hands, feet, and wrists are often affected by the disease.
Studies have shown that rheumatoid arthritis is most common in women and middle-aged individuals, though it can occur in different age groups. Additionally, individuals with a family history of rheumatoid arthritis may have a genetic predisposition to the disease.
Tenderness and pain in the joints are the most common symptoms. Other complaints include morning pain, joint stiffness, joint deformities, loss of appetite, and nodules under the skin.
Antibiotics, pain relievers, and physical therapy are commonly recommended treatments for rheumatoid arthritis. If severe deformities occur in the joints, surgical intervention may be required.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system produces antibodies against both foreign microorganisms and its own cells. The skin, joints, blood, kidneys, and central nervous system are some of the important structures affected by SLE.
SLE usually appears after adolescence and is most commonly observed in women of reproductive age. Symptoms include skin rashes, photosensitivity, and oral ulcers. A characteristic symptom of SLE is the butterfly-shaped, red rash on the nose and cheeks.
Currently, there is no complete cure for SLE; however, the problems in the affected tissues and organs can be minimized. Drug therapy is the most preferred method in controlling SLE.
Sjögren’s Syndrome Sjögren’s syndrome is characterized by the invasion of exocrine glands by lymphocytes, white blood cells, preventing them from secreting. The disease is characterized by dryness in the mouth, eyes, and vagina, and may affect other parts of the body as well.
Many symptoms appear in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome, including dry mouth, dry eyes, swollen salivary glands, dental caries, oral yeast infections, and fatigue. It is most commonly observed in individuals aged 40-50 and in women.
In many Sjögren’s syndrome patients, the disease progresses slowly and mildly. In some patients, there is a silent clinical form, while others may experience severe and widespread disease progression. Early diagnosis and treatment are effective in preventing serious damage.
There is no definitive cure for Sjögren’s syndrome. Medication and exercises can help alleviate the negative effects of the disease and improve the patient’s quality of life.
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