Guide to Labs

This section provides a guide to lab tests commonly used for Still's Disease patients.  Each test provides a "normal" range, however some labs can vary on their "normal" ranges, therefore the normal results listed should be used only as a guide. 

Lab tests are useful in the diagnosis and management of Still's Disease, however there is not a specific blood test that can positively diagnose Still's Disease.  There are lab tests that help "indicate" a presence of Still's. Normally a person with AOSD will have an elevated sed rate, an elevated C-Reactive Protein, and abnormalities with the white blood count, and hemoglobin levels.  

 Recently there has been evidence that during the initial onset of Still's or during a severe flare, a person's ferritin level will be extremely elevated.  The ferritin level may prove to be the most helpful of blood tests to accurately diagnose Adult Still's.

2 important tests used in diagnosis, is the Rheumatoid factor(RA factor) and the anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) tests.  In almost every case of Still's Disease, both the RA factor and the ANA will be negative.

Most of the medications used to treat Still's Disease and other autoimmune diseases can cause side effects, some serious.  Monthly blood tests may be required for certain medications.  Most commonly with Methotrexate and Arava you will need to have your liver enzymes checked and a complete blood count (CBC) done routinely. 

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DISCLAIMER:

The materials and information on this server are intended for educational and informational purposes only. The materials and information are not intended to replace the services of a trained health professional or to be a substitute for medical advice of physicians and/or other health care professionals. The International Still's Disease Foundation is not engaged in rendering medical or professional medical services. You should consult your physician on specific medical questions, particularly in matters requiring diagnosis or medical attention. The International Still's Disease Foundation makes no representations or warranties with respect to any treatment, action, application medication or preparation by any person following the information offered or provided within this website.  Any information used from other websites was done so with permission from each site, with an exception to those of "public domain", whereas we believe any site without a cited reference was a "public domain site" and for our use.  The International Still's Disease Foundation is a non-profit organization.   This page was last updated on January 17, 2001

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