Anti-Jo-1 Blood Test

What is the purpose of this test?

Order this Anti-Jo-1 Blood Test detects anti-jo-1 antibodies in a blood sample to help screen for specific muscle diseases, such as polymyositis, dermatomyositis, or polymyositis-scleroderma overlap syndrome. Usually, antibodies help combat allergens or foreign substances that may harm the body. However, in some cases, these antibodies fight the good cells and cause severe health conditions like autoimmune disorders. One such antibody is Anti-Jo-1, found in patients with pure polymyositis, pure dermatomyositis, or myositis associated with rheumatic or interstitial lung diseases.

Polymyositis and dermatomyositis are rare inflammatory diseases that cause muscle weakness affecting both sides of the body. These diseases are part of a larger group of diseases known as myopathies. For example, polymyositis can make climbing stairs, rising from a seated position, lifting objects, or reaching overhead difficult. Polymyositis primarily affects adults in their 30s to 50s, with women being affected more often than men. Signs and symptoms usually develop gradually over weeks or months. If an individual develops these symptoms in addition to a rash, it may indicate the development of a related condition, dermatomyositis.

When should I order an Anti-Jo-1 Blood Test?

Individuals may order this test if they have experienced symptoms related to muscle diseases like polymyositis. Common signs or symptoms of polymyositis may include the following:

• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Muscle pain
• Weak throat muscles
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Morning stiffness
• Weight loss
• Skin rashes