Rheumatology Profile 2 (Connective tissue)

What is Rheumatology Profile 2 (Connective Tissue)?

Rheumatology Profile 2 is an extended autoimmune panel designed to investigate complex connective tissue and systemic inflammatory diseases. These conditions often affect joints, skin, organs, and the immune system and can be difficult to diagnose with basic tests.

This profile includes:

• Full Blood Count (FBC)
• ESR and CRP (inflammation markers)
• Uric Acid
• Rheumatoid Factor (RF)
• Anti-CCP antibodies
• Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA)
• Anti-dsDNA antibodies
• Extractable Nuclear Antigen antibodies (ENA panel)
• HLA Tissue Typing – HLA-B27

Together, these markers help detect diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Sjögren’s syndrome, mixed connective tissue disease, and other systemic autoimmune disorders.

Why do I need Rheumatology Profile 2?

Connective tissue diseases often present with vague, overlapping symptoms that are difficult to diagnose early. Standard rheumatology tests may miss deeper autoimmune conditions affecting multiple organs.

This profile is recommended when symptoms suggest systemic autoimmune disease.

Common symptoms include:

• Chronic joint pain and swelling
• Severe morning stiffness
• Unexplained fatigue
• Skin rashes or photosensitivity
• Back pain that improves with movement (HLA-B27 link)
• Mouth or eye dryness (Sjögren’s)
• Hair loss
• Unexplained fevers
• Raynaud’s phenomenon (cold fingers turning white/blue)
• Organ-related symptoms without clear cause

This test helps uncover hidden autoimmune causes when symptoms persist without diagnosis.

Benefits of the test

1. Detects systemic autoimmune disease

ANA, ENA and dsDNA help identify lupus and related disorders.

2. Identifies rheumatoid arthritis early

Anti-CCP and RF are key markers.

3. Detects ankylosing spondylitis risk

HLA-B27 is strongly linked to this condition.

4. Measures active inflammation

ESR and CRP show current inflammatory activity.

5. Assesses blood and immune health

FBC reveals immune and inflammatory patterns.

6. Differentiates types of connective tissue disease

ENA panel helps specify the exact autoimmune condition.

7. Identifies gout-related joint pain

Uric acid highlights metabolic contributors.

8. Supports specialist rheumatology referral

Provides a comprehensive diagnostic picture.

Expanded benefit explanation
Systemic connective tissue diseases can affect joints, skin, kidneys, lungs, and nerves. This combined panel provides the depth required for accurate identification and early treatment, reducing long-term organ damage.

Step-by-step — How testing works

We offer two UK-wide testing options:

Clinic testing
• Choose your nearest UK clinic
• Attend your appointment
• Blood sample collected
• Sample analysed in laboratory
• Results securely returned

Home or hotel visit (+£60)
• Phlebotomist visits your home or hotel
• Blood sample collected safely
• No travel required
• Sample transported to laboratory
• Results delivered confidentially

Both services are available UK-wide.

Your results explained

Low / negative levels

Autoimmune markers not detected and inflammation markers normal.

Typical UK reference values:
• ESR: <15 mm/hr (men), <20 mm/hr (women)
• CRP: <5 mg/L
• RF: <20 IU/mL
• Anti-CCP: <7 U/mL
• ANA, ENA, dsDNA: Negative
• Uric Acid:

• Men: 200–430 µmol/L

• Women: 140–360 µmol/L

Interpretation:
Systemic autoimmune disease less likely.

Normal levels

Markers within expected ranges.

Interpretation:
Symptoms may have non-autoimmune causes but require clinical review.

High / positive levels

Elevated autoimmune or inflammatory markers detected.

Possible findings:
• Positive ANA, ENA or dsDNA suggesting lupus or connective tissue disease
• Positive Anti-CCP or RF suggesting rheumatoid arthritis
• Positive HLA-B27 suggesting ankylosing spondylitis risk
• Raised CRP/ESR indicating active inflammation

Interpretation:
Specialist rheumatology evaluation is usually recommended.