Question 1

What is Behcet's Disease?

Accepted Answer

Behcet's Disease is a rare chronic inflammatory disorder that causes blood vessel inflammation throughout the body. It is caused by an autoimmune response where the immune system mistakenly attacks blood vessels, with genetic susceptibility linked to the HLA-B51 biomarker. The Cardiolipin Antibodies (IgA, IgG, IgM) test is the most important test for assessing vascular involvement and disease activity in Behcet's Disease.

Question 2

What causes Behcet's Disease?

Accepted Answer

Behcet's Disease is caused by an autoimmune response where your immune system mistakenly attacks and inflames blood vessels throughout your body. While the exact trigger remains unclear, the condition has a strong genetic component, particularly in people who carry the HLA-B51 or HLA-B5 genetic marker. Environmental factors like viral or bacterial infections may also trigger the disease in people who are genetically predisposed.

Question 3

What is the best test for Behcet's Disease?

Accepted Answer

The Cardiolipin Antibodies (IgA, IgG, IgM) test is the most important blood test for Behcet's Disease because it detects antibodies associated with vascular involvement and helps assess disease activity. The HLA-A, B, C, DRB1 and DQ High Resolution genetic test is also essential as it identifies the HLA-B51 marker, which indicates increased genetic susceptibility to the condition. Additional tests like Interleukin 17 Serum can measure inflammatory activity, while ASCA antibody tests help identify intestinal involvement. These tests work together to provide a comprehensive picture of disease activity and complications.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Behcet's Disease?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience recurring mouth sores combined with other symptoms like genital ulcers, eye inflammation, or unusual skin rashes. Testing is also important if you have a family history of Behcet's Disease or are of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, or East Asian descent and develop unexplained inflammatory symptoms. If you notice painful sores that keep coming back, vision problems, joint pain, or blood clots without obvious cause, these could be warning signs that warrant testing.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Behcet's Disease?

Accepted Answer

Behcet's Disease causes recurring painful mouth sores that look similar to canker sores and are often the first sign of the condition. Other common symptoms include genital ulcers, eye inflammation with redness and blurred vision, skin problems like acne-like sores or red tender nodules, and joint pain especially in the knees and ankles. Some people experience digestive issues with abdominal pain and diarrhea, blood clots in veins, and in severe cases, inflammation of the brain and nervous system causing headaches and confusion.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Behcet's Disease?

Accepted Answer

People of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and East Asian descent are at higher risk for Behcet's Disease, with the highest rates found in Turkey, Iran, and Japan. The condition typically affects adults in their 20s and 30s, though it can occur at any age. Having the HLA-B51 genetic marker significantly increases your risk, and men tend to develop more severe symptoms than women. A family history of the disease also increases your likelihood of developing it.

Question 7

What happens if Behcet's Disease is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated Behcet's Disease can lead to serious complications including permanent vision loss or blindness from repeated eye inflammation. Blood vessel damage can cause dangerous blood clots in veins and arteries, potentially leading to stroke or organ damage. The digestive system can develop ulcers and perforations requiring emergency surgery, while joint inflammation can become chronic and debilitating. In rare cases, inflammation can affect the brain and spinal cord, causing neurological problems like memory loss, balance issues, and stroke-like symptoms.

Question 8

Can Behcet's Disease be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Behcet's Disease cannot be diagnosed by a single blood test alone, as diagnosis relies primarily on clinical symptoms and established medical criteria. However, blood tests play an essential supporting role by identifying genetic susceptibility through HLA-B51 testing, measuring inflammatory markers like Interleukin 17, and detecting vascular complications through Cardiolipin Antibody testing. These tests help your doctor confirm the diagnosis, assess disease activity, rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, and monitor your response to treatment over time.

Question 9

How is Behcet's Disease treated?

Accepted Answer

Behcet's Disease treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and preventing complications through medications tailored to your specific symptoms. Corticosteroids like prednisone quickly reduce inflammation during flare-ups, while immunosuppressive drugs like azathioprine or cyclosporine help control the overactive immune response for long-term management. Biologic medications such as TNF-alpha inhibitors are used for severe cases affecting the eyes or nervous system. Your doctor may also prescribe topical treatments for mouth and genital sores, and colchicine to help prevent skin lesions and joint pain.

Question 10

How can I prevent Behcet's Disease flare-ups?

Accepted Answer

While you cannot prevent Behcet's Disease itself, you can reduce flare-ups by identifying and avoiding your personal triggers. Many people find that stress management through meditation, yoga, or regular exercise helps minimize symptoms. Maintaining good oral hygiene with a soft toothbrush and avoiding foods that irritate your mouth can reduce sores. Getting adequate sleep, eating an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and avoiding tobacco are also important. Keep a symptom diary to identify your specific triggers and work closely with your doctor to adjust medications during high-risk periods.

Question 11

What can I do at home for Behcet's Disease symptoms?

Accepted Answer

For mouth sores, rinse with warm salt water several times daily and avoid spicy, acidic, or rough foods that can irritate the lesions. Apply ice packs to swollen joints for 15-20 minutes to reduce pain and inflammation. For skin lesions, keep the area clean and avoid tight clothing that rubs against sores. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids from fish and flaxseed may help reduce inflammation naturally. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen can help manage discomfort, but always consult your doctor before adding supplements or making significant changes to your treatment plan.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Behcet's Disease Blood Test

What is Behcet's Disease?

What causes Behcet's Disease?

What is the best test for Behcet's Disease?

When should I get tested for Behcet's Disease?

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