What are serological markers?
Serological markers are distinctive indicators of biological progressions. Certain antibodies are found to be
present in the blood of people with different diseases. Our tests recognize and measure the presence of
these
antibodies in your blood, enabling us to identify whether or not you have a certain disease.
The tests significantly reduce the amount of time and number of procedures required for your physician to
accurately
diagnosis these diseases. Diagnosis frequently involves a biopsy (removal of a small amount of the
intestinal
lining).
Why serological markers?
Serological tests offer physicians another tool and are not an invasive procedure. They just require a simple
blood draw
and are
relatively inexpensive compared to other diagnostic tools available.
Why use the IBDX® panel?
The IBDX® panel significantly reduces the amount of time and number of procedures you will
have to undergo until
diagnosis
confirmation (usually by biopsy). The IBDX® panel has a high degree of sensitivity (low false
negatives)
while maintaining a high specificity (low false positives) for the IBD differential diagnosis between
Chron's
disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
The IBDX® panel makes an earlier diagnosis possible; without the current invasive procedures.
Early diagnosis
can
enable you and your doctor to begin an earlier and more accurate treatment protocol. Additionally, early
diagnosis of IBD can help prevent
some serious complications,
including colon removal in 25% to 40% of UC patients. The IBDX® panel is able to correctly
identify ~80% of
the
patients that have Crohn’s disease. This is higher than other available tests.
Crohn’s disease does not have a constant appearance. It varies according to locations,
behaviors,
severities, and activities. It is considered a multifactorial disease and as a result requires a combination
of
several serological markers (IBDX® panel) for a full diagnosis. Our panel of serological
markers can also assist your
doctor in
identifying the exact type of Crohn’s disease for a given patient. This panel predicts severity and
complications of
CD (strictures, fistulas and the need for surgery) and can be used at the onset of disease.
What about you?
If you are suspected to have IBD or need more information about your disease, your physician may refer you to
do the IBDX® blood test in your closest
local
laboratory. Once your physician receives the results and verifies the diagnosis he may initiate the proper
treatment to ease the symptoms and control the outbreaks.
We are committed to continuously discovering and developing advanced gastroenterology tests that will improve
the
quality of life for you, your family, and millions of other patients.
