Hi folks, Could you help with the following. My neuro has requested a number of blood tests including ESR, autoimmune screen, extractable nuclear antibody profile, anticardiolipin antibodies and lupus anticoagulant. I contacted the Secretary today and she has advised that results are in and are normal within range and neuro will discuss results with me. Next course of action was a lumbar puncture. My question is are these tests used to test for ms or are they tests used to rule out other illnesses that are mimics? Any help is greatly appreciated as always Thanks again James
James, the blood tests are used to rule out conditions that can produce similar symptoms to MS. It seems to be a routine part of the neuro’s investigations. Of course, there’s always a chance you might have one of the conditions, but it sounds as if your results are good.
I remember I had a number of conditions ruled out by bloods including Lupus, Lyme Disease, HIV, Neurosarcoidosis and several dozen things I’d never heard of. Also had all my vitamin and mineral levels checked.
It sounds like your neuro’s being thorough and gathering as much information as he can.
Ben
Good man Ben Thanks for coming back to me, he never told me what he was testing for just stated that these had to be done and then we would take it from there with lumbar puncture depending on the results. I paid to go private as urgent neuro here is 9 mths. His secretary has booked me to see him in 3 weeks time to go over these results.
I had my blood tests done a week ago. Yes they are to rule out other illnesses. I have seen a neurologist too. He is arranging an MRI, lumbar puncture and vision test. He did say it would be a few weeks but I will not hold my breath 
Thanks guzlover at least I know now that some of these other illnesses have been ruled out, think only thing I have left to do is the lumbar puncture. Brain mri showed 15 leisons, c spine was clear, these bloods have been done and are within limits, will see what he says in 3 weeks. Thanks again James