For the immune system to work against its own body is

for the immune system to work against its own body is referred to as autoimmunity
(MedicineNet.com, 2014, p. 1). The antinuclear antibody test provides an indication of the likely
existence of autoimmunity, and therefore; a signal for doctors to consider the likelihood of an
autoimmune illness; such as lupus. Acquiring a baseline level on this lab along with the
erythrocyte sedimentation rate will help physicians develop the appropriate plan of care for the
person they are seeing.
A urinalysis is a lab that may be ordered routinely during a physical examination to help
diagnose a possible issue that may need addressing, such as evidence of diseases, even some that

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have not caused significant signs or symptoms (MedicineNet.com, 2014, p. 1). Urinalysis is
commonly used to diagnose the progression of some chronic conditions such as hypertension or
diabetes mellitus, to screen for urinary tract or kidney infection, and even evaluate the causes
of kidney failure (MedicineNet.com, 2014, p. 1) .
With either a family history of depression or a person having depressive symptoms, a
primary care physician may find it judicious to obtain a 25-hydroxy vitamin D level. In multiple
studies it has been shown that low vitamin D levels are associated with symptoms of depression.
Underlying causes of vitamin D deficiency, such as decreased sun exposure as a result of lack of
sunlight from the area we live in, lack of outdoor activities, the clothing we wear, or the
deficiency of vitamin intake from the diet we eat, may lead to depression (Hoogendijk et al.,
2008). 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels are highly treatable, which may facilitate the prevention of
depression or at least minimize the symptoms with the conjunction of other treatment
(Hoogendijk et al., 2008).
When oral medication for acid reflux no longer brings robust relief a person’s doctor may
order further diagnostic tests to check for other problems (WebMD, 2012, p. 1). One of the
diagnostic tests is a barium swallow that can be done to check for ulcers or a narrowing of the
esophagus (WebMD, 2012, p. 1). Also, having an endoscopy can check for problems in the
esophagus or stomach (WebMD, 2012, p. 1). Obtaining a barium swallow or endoscopy can help
diagnose other common problems causing acid reflux type symptoms, such as ulcers,
inflammation, or cancers of the stomach or duodenum (MedicineNet.com, 2013, p. 6).
Additional investigation with either allergy skin testing or serum-specific IgE antibody
testing maybe indicative, for better treatment options, when a person’s seasonal allergies can no
longer be controlled with oral medications. Allergy skin testing is considered the most sensitive

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testing method and provides rapid results; pricking the skin with the extract of a specific
allergen, then observing the skin’s reaction ("Managing allergies," 2011, p. 20). Serum-specific
IgE antibody testing is blood testing providing similar information to allergy skin testing
("Managing allergies," 2011, p. 20).