Scl-70 Antibody Serum

This test measures the levels of anti-Scl-70 antibodies in your blood. 

The Scl-70 Antibody Serum test is done for several reasons, including

• To diagnose scleroderma and differentiate it from other conditions.
• To monitor disease activity and progression.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for scleroderma.

Your doctor may recommend the Scl-70 Antibody Serum test if you

• Have symptoms suggestive of scleroderma, such as thickening or hardening of the skin, joint pain, or Raynaud's phenomenon.
• Show signs of lung or kidney involvement.
• Have a family history of scleroderma.
• Need to monitor disease activity or response to treatment.

The presence of anti-Scl-70 antibodies suggests a diagnosis of scleroderma. However, abnormal results do not necessarily mean that you have scleroderma or any other serious condition. Consult your doctor, who will interpret your test results in the context of your medical history and other diagnostic tests.

During the test, the technician will clean your arm, insert a needle into a vein, and collect the required amount of blood. The procedure is relatively quick and may cause minimal discomfort. 

Before the test, there are no specific preparations required. However, it is essential to inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking, as they may affect your test results. Follow any instructions provided by your doctor regarding fasting or medication use. Please reach out to your healthcare provider for any specific requirements.

Other tests that may be ordered alongside the Scl-70 Antibody Serum test include:

• Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA) Testing: ANA testing helps in assessing autoimmune conditions and can provide additional information for the diagnosis of scleroderma.
• Rheumatoid Factor (RF) Testing: RF testing can help rule out other rheumatic diseases that may present with similar symptoms.

Anti-Scl-70 antibody test

Scleroderma, also known as systemic sclerosis, is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin and various organs of the body. It is characterised by the hardening and tightening of the skin, as well as damage to blood vessels and internal organs.