Special Blood Tests for ILD

Special Blood Tests for ILD (Interstitial Lung Disease)

Special blood tests for ILD are a group of laboratory investigations used to detect underlying causes of interstitial lung diseases, especially those related to autoimmune (connective tissue) disorders. Since many ILDs are linked to immune system activity, these tests help identify specific antibodies and inflammatory markers in the blood.

Common tests include:

  • ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) test – screens for autoimmune diseases.
  • Rheumatoid Factor (RF) – it detects antibodies linked to rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Anti-CCP antibodies – more specific for rheumatoid arthritis.
  • ENA (Extractable Nuclear Antigen) panel – it detects antibodies linked to connective tissue diseases like lupus, scleroderma, Sjogren’s syndrome.
  • Anti-Scl-70, Anti-centromere antibodies – for scleroderma.
  • Myositis-specific antibodies (Anti-Jo-1, Anti-Mi-2) – for inflammatory muscle diseases linked to lung involvement.
  • Serum ACE levels – may be elevated in sarcoidosis.

Why It Is Done?

Symptoms

How to prepare for the test?

How It Is Done?

What It Measures

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

No. They help find the cause of ILD, but diagnosis also requires HRCT scans, lung function tests, and sometimes biopsy.

Not always. Some healthy people can have low levels of antibodies. The results must be interpreted along with your symptoms and other tests.

Some markers like ANA or anti-CCP remain positive once present, but others like CRP or ESR can change with disease activity.

Only mild risks from blood draw slight pain, bruising, or bleeding at the needle site.

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