Autoimmune Disease Tests

📅 Last Updated: May 2026  |  🩺 Medically Reviewed by: Edward Salko, D.O., Medical Director  |  🧪 Lab Partner: Labcorp

Autoimmune disease blood tests measure specific antibodies and inflammatory markers that help identify when the immune system is attacking the body’s own tissues. These tests are used to investigate symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, rashes, and unexplained inflammation — and to monitor known autoimmune conditions over time.

What autoimmune blood tests check:

• ANA (antinuclear antibodies) — a broad screening marker for autoimmune activity, often the first test ordered when autoimmune disease is suspected
• Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-CCP — used in diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis
• Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) and thyroglobulin antibodies — detect Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease
• Inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP, hs-CRP) — measure systemic inflammation associated with autoimmune flares
• Celiac antibodies (tTG-IgA) — screen for celiac disease and gluten sensitivity

Who should order autoimmune testing:

• People with unexplained joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
• Anyone with persistent fatigue not explained by other causes
• People with a family history of autoimmune conditions
• Individuals with skin rashes, hair loss, or dry eyes/mouth without a clear cause
• Anyone monitoring a known autoimmune condition between doctor visits

Autoimmune diseases are more common than most people realize — they affect approximately 50 million Americans and are among the most underdiagnosed category of conditions. Personalabs makes it possible to investigate symptoms proactively without waiting months for a specialist appointment.

Physician order included. No insurance required. Results through Labcorp in days. HSA and FSA eligible.

Your immune system can inadvertently harm your body. Take one of our autoimmune disease tests to address this anomaly and maintain optimum health.  

One in ten people is affected by an autoimmune disorder–and in the US, autoimmune diseases impact between 5% and 8% of the population, according to the NIH. The rising prevalence of autoimmune disorders and the expanded information on their potential cause and complications make it imperative to recognize symptoms and risks for these conditions. Our comprehensive and reliable autoimmune disease tests can help you with the initial steps of protecting your health from a malfunctioning immune system  

What are Autoimmune Diseases?

Autoimmune diseases develop when your immune system mistakenly attacks your body’s cells, causing considerable damage that leads to chronic inflammation and weakening organ functions. There are over 80 types of autoimmune diseases, including lupus, celiac disease, and certain forms of arthritis that affect the joints, muscles, blood vessels, and more. 

When left untreated, autoimmune disorders prevent your body from functioning properly and disrupt your daily routine. Autoimmune blood tests are instrumental for accurate diagnosis, setting the initial steps to proper treatment and management.

The Role of Autoimmune Tests

Autoimmune disease blood tests can help identify the underlying cause of symptoms, such as inflammation or abnormal production of antibodies. They can also provide valuable insight into the severity of the condition, helping to determine the best course of action.

There’s not one specific cause of autoimmune disease—there may be a genetic component, or an outside factor such as a medication or bacterial infection. In addition, several autoimmune disorder symptoms—fever, fatigue, and joint pain, for instance—are indicative of many other health issues.

Autoimmune disease blood tests can provide much-needed clarity, supplying information you can use as a roadmap for living life to the fullest. We’ve designed our autoimmune disease tests to help you feel empowered. You can order a test on your own, without waiting for a doctor’s appointment, and then get the autoimmune panel performed at one of our more than 4,000 partner labs across the country.

Types of Blood Tests for Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune blood work can be classified based on substances in the blood, such as antibodies, proteins, or uric acid, that may signal a disorder. These are further cascaded into specific autoimmune disease tests, such as rheumatoid arthritis tests. 

In choosing the right autoimmune blood test, your doctor will assess your symptoms and genetic predisposition. The blood test results will aid in performing accurate diagnosis, as well as prescribing treatment and lifestyle modifications that may alleviate painful or uncomfortable symptoms.

Who Should Get Tested for Autoimmune Diseases?

You may want to get an autoimmune blood test panel if you have symptoms associated with these diseases and you’ve ruled out other possible causes. Keep in mind that some symptoms mimic those of other health problems like fever, fatigue, and joint pain. With that in mind, it’s vital not to ignore them or make assumptions. 

Also, autoimmunity labs may be beneficial if your family has lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren syndrome, and other genetically-influenced conditions.

When to Do Autoimmune Disease Blood Work

Early intervention is key to managing autoimmune diseases. Take an autoimmune disease test as soon as possible, especially if you’ve started experiencing symptoms. If you have a family history of autoimmune disorders, talk to your healthcare provider to understand your risk.

Get Tested for Autoimmune Disorders Near You

You can be proactive and well-informed when making decisions that affect your wellness with our autoimmune blood tests. Discover how you can get an autoimmune disease blood test near you today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What blood tests are used to detect autoimmune diseases? The most common autoimmune blood tests include ANA (antinuclear antibody) for general screening, rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP for rheumatoid arthritis, TPO antibodies for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, ESR and CRP for inflammation, and celiac antibodies for gluten-related autoimmune disease. A physician typically orders a combination based on your specific symptoms.

What does a positive ANA test mean? A positive ANA test means your immune system is producing antibodies that may target your own tissues. It does not diagnose a specific condition — about 15–20% of healthy people have a low-positive ANA with no autoimmune disease. A positive result is used as a starting point for further evaluation, not a definitive diagnosis.

Can blood tests confirm autoimmune disease? Blood tests provide important evidence but are rarely sufficient alone to confirm a diagnosis. They are used alongside your medical history, physical exam findings, and sometimes imaging or biopsy results. However, they are the essential first step in the diagnostic process.

What symptoms suggest I need autoimmune testing? Common symptoms that prompt autoimmune testing include persistent joint pain or swelling, unexplained fatigue, skin rashes (especially butterfly-shaped rashes on the face), dry eyes or mouth, recurrent mouth sores, hair loss, and digestive problems that don’t respond to typical treatments.

Do I need a doctor’s referral to order autoimmune tests? No. Personalabs provides a physician-approved lab order with every purchase. No referral or insurance required. Results delivered to your private account in days through Labcorp. HSA and FSA eligible.