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Tests: Reasons and Expectations
Tests: Reasons and Expectations
Below, you will find a list of some common testing used to diagnose and manage scleroderma.
Please look at the complete resource on the National Scleroderma Foundation website. Click the button below to go to the webpage.
ANA: Antinuclear Antibody Assay
ANA: Antinuclear Antibody Assay
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) testing is the most important blood test to screen for scleroderma and other connective tissue diseases.
Skin Tests
Skin Tests
Skin thickening, especially on the skin over your large knuckles, is one of the scleroderma symptoms that doctors look for to help confirm diagnosis. Your skin’s thickness can be measured and scored with the Modified Rodnan skin score test (MRSS).
Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)
Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)
Scleroderma may affect your lungs, causing symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing, or other respiratory problems. The PFT measures how well your lungs work as you breathe in and out. Lung function tests may include spirometry, the six-minute walking test, and CT scans.
Echocardiogram
Echocardiogram
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is another potential complication of scleroderma. PAH is relatively rare, but it can be serious and worsen over time. It’s important to have tests such as an echocardiogram that screen for and diagnose PAH very early because it’s easier to treat it in its early stages. An echocardiogram is just an ultrasound scan of your heart muscle and blood flow. It is non-invasive and painless.
Gastrointestinal (GI) Testing
Gastrointestinal (GI) Testing
Scleroderma may cause gastrointestinal (GI) complications, such as ulcers, infections, acid reflux, heartburn and GERD, constipation, diarrhea, intestinal bleeding, or growths and blockages. Some of the tests you may experience are upper endoscopy, 24-hour GI test, Colonoscopy, Hydrogen breath test, or Gastric emptying study.
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