Help advice please

[Hezza1971]

After a visit to my gp I had bloods taken she explained that they were looking for antibodies , 6 small bottles of blood nearly fainted 😂 . Can someone tell me what this means as I don't think I caught all what she said

Thankyou ❤️🤔

[PMRpro]

patient.info/health/antibod...

is a clear and simple explanation of antibodies etc.

The reason there were 6 bottles is that they are probably doing some routine stuff at the same time and also the local lab may not do all the tests so they need some to send elsewhere.

Different tests need different blood samples. Some need blood that has coagulated and formed a clot so they use the serum, the clear part of the blood minus certain proteins. Some use the clear part of the blood that hasn't clotted, plasma. Some use whole blood and then they use anticoagulant chemicals to stop the clotting process and some tests won't work with some chemicals so there are several that may be used.

Hope this helps - say if it doesn't!

[Hezza1971 in reply to PMRpro]

Thankyou for the reply hopefully won't have to wait to long , nothing seems to be healing at the moment my thyroid is fine I have underactive but meds keep it balanced . Everything just seems to be shutting down 4 UTI infections in the last month 3 courses of antibiotics for cough and chest pain . 10 weeks into the cough now . Am hoping something shows up . 😳😥

[Chanpreet_Walia LUPUS UK]

Hi Hezza1971,

Welcome to the LUPUS UK HealthUnlocked Community!

In order to get a diagnosis of lupus, an initial antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is performed. This test does not provide sufficient evidence to confirm a diagnosis of lupus but does allow for your health practitioner to identify whether or not you could have an autoimmune condition. If the test results are ‘positive’, further specific testing will be required. To read our guide on the diagnosis of lupus, you can download or request our free information pack here: lupusuk.org.uk/request-info...

Please let us know how you get on, wishing you all the best