Posted , 4 users are following.
Hi everyone! I’ve seen that there is blood test for measuring TNF-Alpha level and I was wondering why this test is not used to determine if TNF-Alpha is elevated before trying a bio-therapy. I wonder if anyone knows why. Eric.
0 likes, 3 replies
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mary76396 ericcontant
Posted
Hi Eric, during my lengthy waiting period before I was diagnosed with RA I had a massive amounts of tests, one of them (I'm pretty positive) was an anti TNF. I also had two MRI's one with contrast (checking for MS) a PET scan to check for tumours and massive amounts of blood tests all done over a long period. Even being started on Methotrexate I still had high levels of inflammation and after a bone scan with contrast to see where the inflammation was it was decided I needed a biologic too as it was in my lower arms and lower legs which definitely signalled RA.
I think (but not positive) a TNF test is more to check if it's something other than RA like tumours or bowel disease. Mary
tony35673 ericcontant
Posted
I went through all these tests, doesn't seem to make much difference though. Every med I've used so far be it DMARD or biologic lowered my inflamation level to better than normal levels, problem is the pain levels are not affeted at all, they still persist. Progress of the disease has also not been affected, the disease still marches through my body unabated.
ericcontant
Posted
My worry is about my current TNF level to be at <4 and reference value for positive test is <5. Based on that my TNF level is still normal so I wonder how a biologic treatment will help.