MS???

[oh well]

Hi, my Doctor is testing me for MS, Does anyone know what all these test are for?
HLA,B27,ANA, RPR, RF, ACE, FTA and ABS?
                      
                                            Thank You

[metabolicwreck]

I don't recognize them all off-hand, but I can certainly find out (but Quix can probably tell you).  I can tell you that the ANA is antinuclear antibodies, and is elevated in autoimmune diseases (mine was through the roof!)  Let me do some checking, and I'll get back to you.

The Wreck

[metabolicwreck]

I started doing some checking, and then I realized that I did know a little bit--not about the abbreviations, but about the goal.

The ana is a fairly non-specific marker of immunity, as I recall.  I think some of the others are more specific.  Anyway, what is going on, I believe, is that they are trying to rule out any other causes besides MS; like Lyme disease, lupus, scleroderma, rhematoid arthritis, etc.  I think I went through a lot of that, and was sent to a rheumatologist (I gather that they LOVE immunity testing!)

So, my feeling is that they are doing what they should, running a broad range of tests to se e what shakes out. It is the logical way to proceed.  Then, if non of those are the culprit, they may suggest a spinal tap to look for antibodies in your spinal fluid.  

Good Luck!
The Wreck

[Siddy1]

All the following  came from an internet search.


HLA  depending on the code but it would probably be to determine  susceptibility to certain diseases, especially HLA-associated autoimmune disease.
http://www.questdiagnostics.com/brand/business/hla_immu_gen/test_menu.html


RPR (rapid plasma reagin) is a screening test for syphilis. It looks for antibodies that are present in the blood of people who have the disease
The rheumatoid factor (RF) test is primarily used to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to distinguish it from other forms of arthritis and other conditions that cause similar symptoms of joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness.

ACE - Angiotensin Converting Enzyme  is an enzyme produced by endothelial cells to help regulate blood pressure. It catalyzes the conversion of angiotensin I (an inactive protein) to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II functions as a strong vasopressor – it causes arteries to contract, making them temporarily narrower and increasing the pressure of the blood flowing through them.

FTA-ABS (Fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test ) is a blood test is used to detect antibodies to the bacteria Treponema pallidum, which causes syphilis.

As metabolic said, your doctor is ruling out certain diseases.

[Siddy1]

HLA  - human leukocyte antigen

Missed that one!

[oh well]

Thank You so much. Now I  just have to wait for the results and wait for my mri appt. This waiting is awful!!! I will let you all know. Thanks again

[frann]

I believe that the RPR test also is used to test for antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (sticky blood)... (Hughes syndrome) that can mimic MS.

Frann

[Quixotic1]

Hi, Well!  (or Not Well - as it were)  You have mostly gotten the answers to your questions about the blood tests.  This forum is great.  The RPR is a more specific test fro syphillis.  Late stage syphillis can cause all the symptoms of MS.  HLA-B27 is a specific tissue-type that is associated with a much higher risk of autoimmune disease, specifically Ankylosing Spondylitis.

In the workup of MS one of the requirements for the diagnosis is that ALL OTHER BETTER EXPLANATIONS FOR THE PATIENTS SYMPTOMS AND PROBLEMS BE RULED OUT.  So the blood tests are important.  In MS they should be negative.

Quix

[oh well]

Wow, seems to be pointing towards ms, I have so many sx did not realize it though.

     Thank You sooo much...
                        
                          Sallie