Fibromyalgia Panel Test Overview

If you are experiencing any pain, stiffness or anxiety for a long time, it could be a sign of fibromyalgia. People usually face issues like fatigue, lack of sleep, and cognitive issues. If the condition persists, the doctor recommends undergoing the fibromyalgia panel test. Since fibromyalgia symptoms frequently coincide with other medical problems, including lupus or thyroid disorders, this FMA test can help rule out alternative possibilities. 

It is not a conclusive diagnostic test for fibromyalgia, but a useful tool in conjunction with a thorough clinical evaluation. There are different conditions presenting the signs of fibromyalgia. Some of these are- Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Hypothyroidism, and others.

Why is a Fibromyalgia Blood Test Prescribed?

Fibromyalgia is a neurological condition resulting in pain in the body. Every 2 out of 5 people face such issues, and some of the symptoms are-

• Pain and stiffness

• Memory issues

• Sleep difficulties

Upon diagnosing the issue, if the doctor finds the problem persisting for long, FMA test will be advised to you. During the diagnosis, the doctor would examine 18 different points of your body, especially near joints to check how tender the area is. If there is pain in these areas, fibromyalgia is confirmed. 

Components of Fibromyalgia Panel Test

A small sample of your blood is collected for the test, which includes plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). It measures the levels of cytokines in your blood sample. Significantly reduced cytokine levels may be indicative of fibromyalgia. Cytokines at abnormal levels have been related to fibromyalgia as a characteristic.

Procedure and Perquisites for Fibromyalgia Panel Test

There are collective tests involved in Fibromyalgia Panel Test. The procedure may vary as per the test. Some of the types are-

• Complete blood count: This test counts the ratio of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It also measures the amount of haemoglobin in your bloodstream.

• Thyroid hormone testing: These tests assess how well your thyroid functions and can aid your doctor in diagnosing hypothyroidism.

• Antinuclear antibody (ANA) tests: This test determines whether you have certain sorts of antibodies and can assist your doctor in diagnosing RA.

• C-reactive protein test. This test is done to check chemical produced by the liver that act as an inflammatory marker.

• Celiac serology. This blood test detects gluten antibodies, which can indicate celiac disease. Celiac disease is a condition in which the body's immune system reacts to gluten, a protein present in wheat, barley, and rye. Some symptoms are like of fibromyalgia.

In each of the types of tests, the lab clinician would collect the blood for examination purposes.