Question

1. Identify the most important diagnostic to perform when an autoimmune disorder is suspected.

2. Determine the appropriate diagnostic for a tick-borne disease illness (e.g. ehrlichiosis).

3. Identify recommendations for an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA).

Answer 1

Question 1 answer:

One of the most common test done to detect autoimmune disorder is ANA(antinuclear antibodies)

ANA test: It is a group of antibodies that reacts against nuclear, nucleolar, or perinuclear antigens. It is mainly used for diagnosing SLE. But finding a ANA is common to most other autoimmune diseases.

The other two tests are C- reactive protein and erithrocyte sedimentation rate.

Changes in serum CRP level is a better reflection of inflammation. It is mainly used to detect cardiac disease.

ESR test: Inflammation causes increase in ESR level.