ANA and IFA blood tests.

[tangolil]

Can I request these blood tests from my GP/Rheumatology Consultant and would the results provide information regarding my level of immunity to infection?

[AgedCrone]

You can request any blood test you like,….but on the NHS I would imagine your doctor will only order them if he/she thought them clinically necessary.You could no doubt get them done Privately…but that would be quite expensive.

[tangolil in reply to AgedCrone]

Thank you AgedCrone - your advice is always to the point and very knowledgeable.

[helixhelix]

Many people have paid for them privately. If you do a search you should find the posts which say what they bought.

I was tested for covid antibodies (not in the UK) and all it cam say is whether you have them, what level you need to be fully protected is unclear. However knowing I had some was reassurimg.

[tangolil in reply to helixhelix]

Indeed, helixhelix - very reassuring to have at least some covid antibodies ... it's the 'not knowling' that creates fear and reluctance to resume at least part of our 'norm' so it may be a good investment. Thank you for your reply.

[helenlw7 in reply to helixhelix]

I’m being tested for Covid antibodies by my local hospital this morning. Knowing that I have at least some antibodies would be reassuring.

[tangolil in reply to helenlw7]

Goodness helenlw7 - how on earth did you manage that! Congratulations! I have asked so many times but nothing positive has come from my requests - even my Rheumy dismissed the idea (almost with a wave of her hand ...). Like you, a little reassurance that one has, at least, some antibodies after being vaccinated 4 times, would be a wonderful lift to the spirits and an encouragement to join the 'living' again. Thank you for this ray of hope - and I wish you all the antibodies you need! Let us know!

[Neonkittie17 in reply to tangolil]

My Imnumologist tested my antibodies but he knew I had low ig’s (hypogammaglobulinemia) and he wanted to test across all B &T cells due to Rituximab. I think if you’re known to have problems with your B cells and immunoglobulins the consultant will test you for antibodies. I did my own Testing for All Roche spike protein (quantitative) test in early June and TFA tell you exactly what level you have, but cannot determine what is the required amount to say you’re safely protected is, as we still don’t know a magic number, but obviously you will feel reassured if you have some. Didn’t apply to me as mine were zero/undetectable. I will have another test via my consultant and maybe do my own again when I’ve had more vaccines. We also don’t know how long they last for before they wane with each person. I was told 6 weeks after the second vaccine was the ideal time to test. That was last year though.

[tangolil in reply to Neonkittie17]

Yes, Neonkittie17 - I have read all your posts with great interest and much sympathy. Perhaps my own next step should be to see an Endo... I admire all the work you have done to secure your results and your patience in waiting for your cells to come back... Wishing you well and thank you for your reply.

[Neonkittie17 in reply to tangolil]

Hi tangolil, Do you not see an Endo already? I do do but my Graves’ disease/hyperthyroidism which has been and still is euthyroid/normal 🙏🏻 for many years now after awful problems at first in 2005 and I’m on low dose Carbimazole. All steady 🤞🏻 It is my Immunologist who has ordered no end of blood tests due to Rtx causing hypogammaglobulinemia. Low igG and very low IgM causing chest infections. We just hope on here our experiences, good or otherwise, help others. Thank you and I wish you well too.

[helenlw7 in reply to tangolil]

I know. I was shocked! Last time I saw my rheumatologist I asked if we’d get another Covid vaccine. I’ve had 4 and she asked me if my life had returned to normal. It hasn’t really because I’m worried about getting Covid, even though I can have anti virals.

[tangolil in reply to helenlw7]

I agree wholeheartedly helenlw7. I feel exactly the same and I am torn between seeing my children and grandchildren and feeling securely protected against Covid. It's not a nice place to be... I know we are all in the same boat but some of us feel more 'seasick' than others! At least you might soon have some assurance ... Fingers crossed all goes well for you. Good luck and good wishes.