| Disorder | Tests to request in primary screen | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Arthralgia or arthritis | Rheumatoid factor, Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) | The laboratory will instigate more specific tests if indicated by the screen. A measure of the acute phase response may also be helpful. |
| Anti-phospholipid syndrome | Anti-cardiolipin (ACA) | If ACA negative and clinical suspicion high worth checking for lupus anticoagulant. If ACA positive result needs to be confirmed 12 weeks later. |
| Coeliac disease | Anti-tissue transglutaminase | The laboratory will confirm positive results by anti-endomysium and check for IgA deficiency as required. |
| Allergy | Allergen Specific IgE (formerly ‘RAST’) | History is paramount in making the diagnosis. The test helps only to confirm the diagnosis. |
| Autoimmune thyroid disease | TSH (to assess dysfunction) | Anti TPO helpful in the context of subclinical hypothyroidism i.e. when TSH 5-10mU/L. |
| Myeloma | Serum Electrophoresis, Urine for Bence Jones protein | Need to check both serum and urine. Immunofixation will be performed if indicated by screen. |
| Possible immunodeficiency | Immunoglobulins, Immunophenotyping | History is paramount. Please discuss with laboratory to direct testing. |
| Persistent raised plasma viscosity | Immunoglobulins, autoimmune profile, liver function tests | |
| Abnormal liver function/jaundice | Autoimmune liver screen (includes ANA, anti-smooth muscle, anti-mitochondria, anti-LKM) | Immunoglobulins may provide additional supporting information. |
Contact Immunology & Immunogenetics
Head of Department
Dr Adrian Heaps
Telephone: 0117 4148473
Clinical Lead
Dr Sarah Johnston
Telephone: 0117 4148370
Blood Sciences Laboratory Manager
Allison Brixey
Telephone: 0117 4148416
General Enquiries/Secretaries
Telephone: 0117 4143456
E-mail: immunology@nbt.nhs.uk
Clinical Advice and Interpretation
Telephone: 0117 4148393 or 0117 4148364
Normal Laboratory Hours
Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm