Nobel Hospital launches autoimmune disease testing
Autoimmune diseases refer to conditions where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells, causing various health issues.
KATHMANDU: Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital in Biratnagar has initiated the use of Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) as the primary diagnostic tool for autoimmune diseases.
According to pathologist Dr. Oshan Shrestha, this method is considered the gold standard in diagnosing such conditions.
IFA has the capability to confirm or rule out autoimmune diseases with almost 100% accuracy.
Autoimmune diseases refer to conditions where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells, causing various health issues.
These diseases can affect any part of the body and are often challenging to diagnose promptly. Common examples include Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, hepatitis, and dermatomyositis.
Dr. Shrestha explained that initial symptoms of autoimmune diseases often overlap, including fatigue, joint pain, recurring fevers, muscle aches, skin rashes, and unexplained weight loss.
These conditions predominantly affect women, and there is an increased likelihood of passing them to offspring.
The causes of autoimmune diseases are multifactorial, with genetic, environmental, hormonal, and infectious factors playing roles. Various viruses and bacteria can trigger these conditions.
Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) is a specialized test that requires a small blood sample. Trained technicians analyze the sample under a fluorescent microscope to detect specific antibodies associated with autoimmune diseases. Results are typically available within three hours.
Compared to other diagnostic methods, IFA provides higher accuracy rates, making it the preferred choice globally among specialists.
The implementation of IFA at Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital was facilitated by Dr. Shrestha and two experienced laboratory technologists trained in CMCI, India.
With this advanced diagnostic tool now available, patients in Eastern Nepal can expect easier and more accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment of autoimmune diseases, reducing unnecessary suffering and ensuring timely medical intervention.
