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: 01174148396
Blood Sciences Laboratory Manager
Allison Brixey
Telephone: 0117 4148416
General Enquiries/Secretaries
Telephone: 0117 4148393
E-mail: immunology@nbt.nhs.uk
Clinical Advice and Interpretation
Telephone: 0117 4148393 or 0117 4148364
Normal Laboratory Hours
Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm