Table 1.
Frequently used terminology in the context of laboratory tests and their clinical use.
| Test | Clinical use |
|---|---|
| Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) | A test that measures the rate at which red blood cells (RBCs) in whole blood settle in a test tube. Inflammatory states cause RBCs to settle faster [16] |
| C-reactive protein (CRP) | A protein in blood whose levels rises in high inflammatory states [16] |
| Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) | A panel of 14 blood tests that provides a broad analysis of kidney, liver, endocrine, and electrolyte status [17] |
| Complete blood cell (CBC) count | A test that provides information on the patient’s cell count for each blood type and hemoglobin [16] |
| Anti–citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) | A test that detects the presence of autoantibodies against citrullinated proteins. High specificity and predictive value toward diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis [18] |
| Anti–double stranded (anti-dsDNA) | A test that detects the presence of antibodies against double-stranded DNA. High sensitivity and specificity toward diagnosis lupus (SLE) or connective tissue diseases [19] |
| Anti–extractable nuclear antigen (anti-ENA) | A panel of 6 tests that detects the presence of antibodies against cytoplasmic and nuclear antigens. Used in the detection of SLE, mixed connective tissue diseases and Sjögren's syndrome [20] |
| Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) | A test that detects the presence of antibodies against cells. Used in the detection of autoimmune disorders in conjunction with other laboratory and clinical findings [19] |
| Creatine kinase (CK) | A test that measures blood levels of an intracellular enzyme present in skeletal muscle, heart muscle, and brain. High levels may indicate damage to CK-rich tissues [17] |
| Parathyroid hormone (PTH) | A test that measures blood levels of a hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands. Used to assess neuroendocrine pathology and function [21] |
| Thyroid function tests (TFTs) | A test that measures blood levels of thyroid hormones such as thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyroxine, and triiodothyronine. Used to assess thyroid pathology and function [22] |
| Liver function tests (LFTs) | A test that measures blood levels of enzymes and end products of the metabolic pathway. Used to assess hepatic pathology and function [23] |
| Anti-saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA) | A test that detects the presence of antibodies against antigens to a yeast protein. High specificity in the diagnosis of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis [24] |
| Lyme antibodies | A test that detects the presence of antibodies, IgG and IgM, released during infection with Borrelia. Used in diagnosis of Lyme disease in conjunction with other laboratory tests [25] |
| Urinalysis (UA) | A test that detects and measures levels of ions, proteins, blood cells, drugs, and other molecules in urine [26] |
| Lymphocyte stimulation index (LSI) | A value obtained from a lymphocyte proliferation test (LTT or LST) that reflects lymphocyte proliferation in the presence of an allergen. Believed to be more useful for prognosis and diagnosis of metal sensitivity compared to skin patch testing; however, more research is needed to determine the validity and clinical use [27] |