£380.00
Connective Tissue Diseases (CTDs) are chronic, systemic autoimmune disorders that can affect multiple organs and systems, including the joints, muscles, skin, blood vessels, lungs, kidneys, and heart. These diseases often share overlapping symptoms, making accurate and early diagnosis both complex and critical.
This comprehensive blood panel is designed to screen, detect, and support differential diagnosis of a wide range of autoimmune and inflammatory connective tissue disorders. It’s also valuable for disease monitoring, especially in individuals with evolving or unclear autoimmune symptoms.
These offer insight into immune system activity and systemic inflammation:
Full Blood Count (FBC): Detects anaemia, low platelets (often seen in lupus), and signs of chronic inflammation or immune suppression. Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): Measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube — a non-specific marker of chronic inflammation. C-Reactive Protein (CRP): A sensitive marker of acute inflammation and tissue injury; elevated in many autoimmune flares. Uric Acid: Assesses for hyperuricaemia, which may indicate gout, overlap syndromes, or renal impairment.These target components of the body's own cells and are hallmark indicators of autoimmune processes:
ANA (Antinuclear Antibody): The first-line test for autoimmune diseases like lupus, systemic sclerosis, and Sjögren’s. A positive ANA warrants further testing. Anti-dsDNA: Highly specific for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Associated with renal involvement and lupus nephritis.Rheumatoid Factor (RF): An antibody seen in 70–80% of rheumatoid arthritis cases, though also found in other autoimmune conditions. Anti-CCP (Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide): Highly specific for rheumatoid arthritis and may appear before symptoms begin. Helps confirm diagnosis in seronegative cases.
A genetic marker strongly linked to seronegative spondyloarthropathies, such as: Ankylosing Spondylitis Psoriatic Arthritis Reactive Arthritis Inflammatory Bowel Disease-related arthritis Presence of HLA-B27, particularly in patients with chronic back pain, morning stiffness, or eye inflammation, increases suspicion of these conditions.
Detects specific autoantibodies that help distinguish between different connective tissue disorders:
Antibody | Associated Disease | Clinical Relevance |
Anti-Sm | Systemic Lupus Erythematosus | Highly specific for SLE |
Anti-nRNP | Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) | Present in overlap syndromes |
Anti-Ro (SSA) | Sjögren’s, SLE, neonatal lupus | May cause heart block in infants of affected mothers |
Anti-La (SSB) | Sjögren’s syndrome | Often appears with Anti-Ro |
Anti-Scl-70 (Topoisomerase I) | Systemic Sclerosis (Diffuse form) | Associated with lung fibrosis and skin thickening |
Anti-CENP (Centromere Antibody) | Limited Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis (CREST syndrome) | Associated with milder skin involvement and pulmonary hypertension |
Anti-Jo-1 | Polymyositis, Dermatomyositis | Related to muscle inflammation and interstitial lung disease |
These markers are critical for subclassifying diseases and predicting organ involvement.
Suggested GP or specialist referrals Guidance on further diagnostic imaging, if needed Monitoring or management options if results are borderline
This panel is suitable for individuals who:
They are a group of autoimmune conditions in which the immune system attacks the body's own connective tissues, such as collagen and elastin. These tissues provide structure and support to organs, joints, and skin.
This is a diagnostic aid and a screening tool. It provides strong clinical evidence to support a diagnosis, but it must be combined with a physical exam, symptom history, and specialist assessment.
It will detect antibody patterns and inflammation levels associated with those diseases. A positive result suggests autoimmune activity and supports diagnosis, but further evaluation is required to confirm.
Results are typically available within 3–5 working days, with a secure login portal for immediate access and a downloadable report for your GP or specialist.
No fasting is required for this test.
Yes. This panel works well alongside:
We can create a bespoke health assessment tailored to your needs.
Yes. This panel works well alongside:
We can create a bespoke health assessment tailored to your needs
