Question 1

What is Scleroderma?

Accepted Answer

Scleroderma, also known as systemic sclerosis, is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. It is caused by an overproduction of collagen and immune system dysfunction that leads to abnormal antinuclear antibody (ANA) production. The ANA Screen IFA with Reflex to Titer and Pattern is the most important test for scleroderma diagnosis.

Question 2

What causes scleroderma?

Accepted Answer

Scleroderma is caused by an overactive immune system that triggers excessive collagen production in the skin and connective tissues. The exact trigger is unknown, but the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, leading to inflammation, scarring, and thickening of the skin and blood vessels. This autoimmune process causes the body to produce abnormal antibodies, particularly antinuclear antibodies (ANA), which can be detected through blood tests.

Question 3

What is the best test for scleroderma?

Accepted Answer

The ANA Screen IFA with Reflex to Titer and Pattern is the most important test for scleroderma because it detects the antinuclear antibodies present in over 90% of people with systemic sclerosis. This test identifies specific antibody patterns that help confirm the autoimmune nature of the disease and can even suggest which type of scleroderma you might have. Additional tests like the Mitochondrial Antibody with Reflex to Titer and Rheumatoid Factor can provide supplementary information about your autoimmune profile and help your doctor distinguish scleroderma from other similar conditions.

Question 4

When should I get tested for scleroderma?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you notice thickening or tightening of your skin, especially on your hands and face, or if you experience Raynaud phenomenon where your fingers turn white or blue in cold temperatures. Other signs include persistent heartburn, difficulty swallowing, unexplained fatigue, joint pain, or shortness of breath. Early testing is important because catching scleroderma in its early stages allows for better management and can help prevent serious complications affecting your heart, lungs, or kidneys.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of scleroderma?

Accepted Answer

Scleroderma symptoms include tight, hardened, or thickened skin that often starts in the fingers and hands before spreading to the face and other areas. You might experience Raynaud phenomenon with fingers that change color in response to cold or stress, along with swollen fingers and hands. Other common symptoms include persistent heartburn or acid reflux, difficulty swallowing, joint pain and stiffness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Some people also develop small red spots on their skin called telangiectasias and calcium deposits under the skin.

Question 6

Who is at risk for scleroderma?

Accepted Answer

Scleroderma most commonly affects women between the ages of 30 and 50, though it can occur in anyone at any age. Your risk is higher if you have a family history of scleroderma or other autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Certain ethnic groups, particularly African American and Native American populations, tend to develop more severe forms of the disease. Environmental exposures to silica dust, certain solvents, or specific medications may also increase your risk, though most cases occur without any identifiable trigger.

Question 7

What happens if scleroderma is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated scleroderma can lead to serious complications affecting multiple organ systems throughout your body. The disease can cause pulmonary fibrosis where lung tissue becomes scarred and stiff, making it difficult to breathe, or pulmonary hypertension with dangerous increases in blood pressure within your lungs. Your heart can develop irregular rhythms or heart failure, while your kidneys may experience a sudden crisis with dangerously high blood pressure. Digestive problems can worsen, leading to severe malnutrition, and the restricted blood flow to your fingers and toes can result in painful ulcers or even tissue death requiring amputation.

Question 8

Can scleroderma be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests are essential for diagnosing scleroderma and confirming its autoimmune nature. The ANA Screen IFA test detects antinuclear antibodies present in over 90% of scleroderma cases, with specific patterns helping identify disease subtypes. While blood tests alone cannot diagnose scleroderma, they provide critical evidence when combined with your symptoms and physical examination findings. Additional blood tests can check for specific antibodies like anti-centromere or anti-Scl-70 that are strongly associated with different forms of the disease, and they can also assess organ function to monitor for complications.

Question 9

How is scleroderma treated?

Accepted Answer

Scleroderma treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing organ damage since there is no cure for the condition. Your doctor may prescribe immunosuppressive medications like methotrexate or mycophenolate to calm your overactive immune system, along with medications to improve blood flow and protect your organs. For Raynaud phenomenon, calcium channel blockers help keep your blood vessels open, while proton pump inhibitors manage heartburn and reflux. Physical therapy keeps your joints flexible and skin supple, and you might need specific treatments for lung, heart, or kidney involvement depending on which organs are affected.

Question 10

How can I prevent scleroderma?

Accepted Answer

Scleroderma cannot be prevented because it is an autoimmune disease with unknown triggers, but you can take steps to reduce symptom flare-ups and protect yourself from complications. Avoid exposure to cold temperatures and wear warm gloves to prevent Raynaud attacks, and quit smoking since it significantly worsens blood vessel problems and lung disease. Protect your skin from injury and use moisturizers regularly to keep it supple, and minimize exposure to chemicals, solvents, and silica dust that may worsen the condition. If you have a family history of autoimmune diseases, discuss early screening with your doctor.

Question 11

What can I do at home for scleroderma?

Accepted Answer

At home, you can manage scleroderma by keeping your body warm, especially your hands and feet, and dressing in layers to prevent Raynaud attacks. Perform gentle stretching exercises daily to maintain flexibility in your fingers, hands, and face, and massage your skin regularly with moisturizers to keep it soft. Elevate the head of your bed to reduce nighttime heartburn, eat smaller and more frequent meals to ease digestion, and stay physically active with low-impact exercises like swimming or walking. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, getting adequate sleep, and avoiding triggers like caffeine and smoking can all help minimize symptom flare-ups.

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.

Scleroderma Blood Test

What is Scleroderma?

What causes scleroderma?

What is the best test for scleroderma?

When should I get tested for scleroderma?

References

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