Screening for connective tissue disease
An expanded rheumatology workup that adds antinuclear antibody (ANA) screening to the core markers — for multi-system symptoms that may point to lupus or other connective tissue disease, with every result reviewed by a clinician. £218 · clinician-reviewed results · CQC-regulated.
When symptoms span more than your joints
Connective tissue diseases such as lupus can affect joints, skin and multiple organs. This extended panel adds ANA screening and is a sensible step if you recognise any of these — interpreted by a clinician.
Multi-system symptoms
Joint pain with rash, Raynaud's, dry eyes or mouth, or other features across the body.
A positive ANA to interpret
You've had a positive antinuclear antibody result that needs proper interpretation.
Family history of lupus
A family history of SLE or autoimmune connective tissue disease.
Joint pain plus more
Inflammatory joint symptoms alongside other unexplained whole-body features.
Sicca symptoms
Persistent dry eyes and dry mouth that may suggest Sjögren's syndrome.
A fuller workup
You want the core rheumatology markers plus ANA in one blood draw.
No referral needed · open 7 days · free on-site parking
Six markers across joints and connective tissue
This panel includes the core rheumatology markers plus antinuclear and smooth muscle antibodies. Here is what each group can tell you.
Antinuclear antibodies
ANA is the primary screening test for systemic lupus and other connective tissue diseases.
1 markerAnti-CCP antibodies
Highly specific for rheumatoid arthritis and often positive early in the disease.
1 markerRheumatoid factor
An antibody raised in rheumatoid arthritis and some other autoimmune conditions.
1 markerSmooth muscle antibodies
An additional autoantibody assessed as part of the autoimmune screen.
1 markerESR
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate reflects general inflammation and disease activity.
1 markerUrate
Uric acid (urate) is assessed alongside symptoms when gout is suspected.
1 markerThree simple steps
Book online
Choose a time that suits you in under a minute. No referral needed — pay online or in clinic. Same-week and weekend slots available.
5-minute blood draw
Visit our Sutton Coldfield clinic for a quick, comfortable blood draw with one of our friendly clinical team. Free on-site parking.
Clinician-reviewed results
Your results are shared promptly once ready, reviewed by a clinician who explains what they mean and any sensible next steps.
Unit 3, The Courtyard, Sutton Coldfield B75 7BU · Open 7 days 8am–8pm
How it compares to our other tests
Not sure which test is right for you? Here's how this test sits alongside our other related panels.
| Panel | Depth | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rheumatology Extended | 6 markers | Lupus & connective tissue disease | £218 |
| Rheumatology | 4 markers | Inflammatory arthritis & gout | £158 |
| Muscle & Rheumatology | Extended | Muscle and joint symptoms | £189 |
| Standard Screen | Comprehensive | A fuller general health check | £192 |
Rated 4.87/5 on Doctify
Real, independently verified feedback from patients of The Vesey Private Hospital.
Your questions, answered
Understanding your Rheumatology Extended results
Each result in your Rheumatology Extended is reviewed by a clinician before release. Below is a plain-English guide to the key markers included in this panel.
Key Biomarkers
This panel assesses the key markers relevant to rheumatology extended. Each result is reviewed by a clinician who will flag any values outside the expected range for your age and sex.
Reference Ranges
Reference intervals are population-derived and should be interpreted alongside your symptoms and clinical history — a result within range does not always exclude pathology, and a mildly out-of-range result may be clinically insignificant in isolation.
Reference ranges vary between laboratories and are influenced by age, sex, and other individual factors. This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace a clinical consultation. The Vesey reviews every result before it is released to you.
Further information: Lab Tests Online UK (British Society for Clinical Biochemistry) →
Get clarity on whole-body autoimmune symptoms
A 6-marker extended rheumatology panel with ANA screening and prompt, clinician-reviewed results. The Vesey · Sutton Coldfield · open 7 days 8am–8pm.
References & further reading
- CRP & Rheumatology — Lab Tests Online UK · Independent patient information from the British Society for Clinical Biochemistry