Blood tests (ANA and cytokines)

[chger]

Hello,

I would like to get some Blood test done for ANA and cytokine profile.
(I Feel like There is an autoimmune condition in my brain)

Do you Know what is the cost for these tests and which Doc can do them?
Any special lab necessary?

My Hope is, if There are signs for autoimmune process my doc will be willing to prescribe immune modulators.

Any of you did These test already?

Thanks

 

[ShepherdK]

1) Find a good rheumatologist, explain your symptoms. He should be able to test the relevant autoimmune markers and check for more obscure autoimmune disorders. ANA will be on that list, but he will include many others.
2) The cost could be nothing, or several hundred dollars depending on insurance/country. Most basic autoimmune panels are pretty cheap, even out of pocket.
3) Cytokine profiles aren't used in clinical practices normally - I tried to have one done and was told I would have to pay 100% out of pocket - these can be very expensive. A rheum + an infectious disease specialist both said they wouldn't know what to do with the results anyway.