The diagnosis and management of diseases affecting the musculoskeletal system may be facilitated by using the results of one or more immunologic tests. In using such tests for assistance in diagnosis, however, the results of laboratory studies should be considered supportive or confirmatory of the clinical presentation based on an accurate, complete history and physical examination. In some situations, anticipated positive laboratory findings may be absent despite evidence of disease. Some of the tests are nonspecific and results may be present or abnormal because of other diseases, the patient's age, or the genetic makeup of the patient. The laboratory studies to be discussed are those most frequently used in the diagnosis and management of patients with diseases affecting the musculoskeletal system.
Copyright © 1990, Butterworth Publishers, a division of Reed Publishing.