How to Test for Autoimmune Diseases: FAQ Guide

Published March 19, 2025

This guide covers key information about how to get tested for autoimmune diseases, including symptoms, risk factors, available tests, and how to interpret results. 

Autoimmune diseases (also known as autoimmune disorders) are conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells instead of defending against harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses. These diseases are one of the top three most common disease types in the United States, affecting approximately 8% of the population, with 78% of those diagnosed being women.¹,² Because of how common and serious these conditions can be without proper management, early detection through testing is essential. 

What Are Autoimmune Disease Symptoms and Risks?

There are over 100 known autoimmune diseases*, ranging from lupus and multiple sclerosis to celiac disease.³ Because these diseases can affect various parts of the body, symptoms may vary. (*This article focuses on a few autoimmune disorders. Determining an autoimmune disorder is a complicated task there isn’t a one size fits all model for determining your specific condition). 

Common Symptoms of Autoimmune Diseases:

• Fatigue
• Inflammation (redness, heat, swelling and pain) in one or more parts of your body
• Skin discoloration or redness
• Chronic pain in affected areas
• Recurring fever
• Swollen glands
• Weak or achy muscles
• Abdominal pain/digestive problems
• No appetite
• Rashes, sores, dry/scaly skin
• Stiff, painful joints
• Swelling in affected joints or organs³,⁴
• Breathing troubles/shortness of breath

Who Is at Most Risk for Autoimmune Diseases?

• Individuals with a family history of autoimmune disorders
• Women, as they are disproportionately affected
• Those who have had viral infections such as Epstein-Barr or COVID-19
• Smokers or individuals exposed to environmental toxins
• People with one diagnosed autoimmune disease, increasing the likelihood of developing another⁵

Without treatment, autoimmune diseases can lead to severe complications, including organ failure and significant impacts on quality of life.

What Types of Autoimmune Disease Tests Are Available?

There are a variety of ways to test for autoimmune diseases but questhealth.com offers blood tests to help screen for some of the most common. These tests include:

• Autoimmune Screening Test (ANA with Reflex): detects antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) in the blood, which may indicate an autoimmune condition. If ANAs are detected, additional testing with your healthcare provider can determine the specific autoimmune disorder
• Rheumatoid Arthritis Test: measure levels of certain proteins and antibodies in your blood that are associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) 
• Celiac (Gluten) Disease Panel: detects antibodies for celiac disease
• Type 1 Diabetes Autoantibody Screening Test: tests for 4 autoantibodies in the blood that may show increased risk for developing type 1 diabetes (T1D)

Additional Testing Options May Include:

• Autoimmune panels – Detect multiple autoantibodies at once
• Inflammation markers – Includes erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) tests
• Imaging tests – X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs to assess internal organ damage

How Should You Prepare for an Autoimmune Disease Test?

• No fasting required for ANA or autoimmune blood tests
• Stay hydrated to ensure a smooth blood draw
• Inform your doctor about any medications, as certain drugs may influence test results

How to Interpret Autoimmune Disease Test Results

Your test results may not always be straightforward. You should work with your healthcare provider to interpret your individual results in combination with your health history.  

Some tests will show the following types of result information:  

• Positive Test: Suggests the presence of an autoimmune disease, requiring further evaluation
• Negative Test: Autoimmune disease is less likely, but additional testing may be recommended

If your results suggest an autoimmune disorder, your healthcare provider may recommend additional tests or treatment options to help manage symptoms and prevent complications.

Why Choose Quest for Autoimmune Disease Testing?

Quest offers fast and convenient autoimmune disease testing with several key benefits:

• No doctor’s visit required – order online and visit a Quest location for sample collection
• Comprehensive testing options to detect autoimmune diseases early
• Independent physician consultations available at no extra cost for abnormal results

Buy Your Autoimmune Disease Test Today

No doctor visit is required to buy your own lab test at questhealth.com. PWNHealth and its affiliates review your purchase to ensure it is medically appropriate before submitting the test order for processing. PWNHealth also reviews your test results and will contact you directly if they require prompt attention. Included in each purchase is the option to discuss your test results with an independent physician; however, you are also encouraged to speak with your primary healthcare provider.