Autoantibodies Profile 2 Blood Test, from our experts to you.
Dr Sam Rodgers MBBS, MRCGP

Chief Medical Officer meet our doctors

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What are
autoantibody tests?

Autoantibody tests investigate chronic progressive arthritis-type symptoms and/or unexplained fevers, fatigue, muscle weakness and rashes. Autoimmune disorders are a group of conditions in which the immune system attacks the body's tissues as if they were a foreign substance. The reaction is similar to those that occur in allergies, except the hypersensitivity response is to the body rather than an outside substance.


Who's affected
by autoimmune diseases?

Genetic factors may play a role, and women are more frequently affected than men. Autoimmune diseases can affect the adrenal glands (Addison's Disease), red blood cells (a type of haemolytic anaemia), pancreas (Diabetes Mellitus type 1), thyroid (Graves Disease), muscle receptors (Myasthenia Gravis), liver (Chronic Hepatitis), sperm and ovary (Auto-immune Infertility) and more.


Can this test diagnose
an autoimmune condition?

A single autoantibody test is not diagnostic but may give clues as to whether a particular disorder is likely or unlikely to be present. Each autoantibody result should be considered individually and as part of the group.


What's Included?

Autoimmunity
Select profile for more information

Adrenal Antibodies
Gastric parietal cell antibodies Parietal cell antibodies are autoantibodies, produced by the immune system that mistakenly target and destroy parietal cells, specialised cells in the stomach that aid digestion and make intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is required for the absorption of vitamin B12 from food. The progressive loss of parietal cells may lead to a vitamin B12 deficiency. Gastric parietal cells antibodies are associated with autoimmune gastritis and pernicious anaemia. This test helps to find out more about the cause of a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Islet cell antibodies Type 1 diabetes is a condition caused by a lack of insulin due to autoimmune processes destroying the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. In contrast, type 2 diabetes primarily results from the body's resistance to the effects of insulin (insulin resistance) and does not involve autoimmune processes. Islet cell antibodies are diabetes-related autoantibodies produced by the immune system associated with type 1 diabetes.
Ovarian Antibodies
Thyroid peroxidase antibodies Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) is an enzyme important in the production of thyroid hormones. This test looks for antibodies against TPO which are often raised in cases of autoimmune thyroid conditions and occasionally in healthy individuals.

How to prepare
for your test?

Special Instructions

Prepare for your Autoantibodies Profile 2 Blood Test by following these instructions. Do not take biotin supplements for two days before this test, discuss this with your doctor if it is prescribed.