Dr. Mazlen's CFS Testing Procedures

There are a multitude of laboratory tests that may be necessary to determine if one's condition is CFIDS, Fibromialgia or other problems that mimic these conditions.  To follow is a list of potential lab tests that Dr. Mazlen utilizes in a Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Panel to help delineate these conditions. (The list along with a brief description is given below).

Dr. Mazlen always recommends that a full medical history be reviewed in conjunction with any lab testing.

CBC w/diff & Platelet Ct.:
This "panel" measures several parameters in peripheral , e.g. white and red cells. In addition, a WBC differential is preformed along with a measure of platelets.

Cell Dysregulation:
Through the use of flow cytometry, different populations of white cells are counted and evaluated for function.

HLA-Dr Typing:
Human lymphotropic antigen is found on the surface of B lymphs and in monocytes. Often used as a gauge to predict successful tissue transplants.

Pneumococcal Antibody:
A member of the Strep genus they are found in normal throat cultures but are the primary cause for bacterial pneumonia. Antibody response is directed against these organisms.

Natural Killer Cell Functional Assay:
Measures and evaluates "special" lymphocytes responsible for cell lysis in vivo. Part of the "T" cell family they are associated with several disease entities.

DHEA sulfate:
A metabolite of DHEA, this androgen is produced in the adrenal glands and is a measure of adrenal function.

Carotene:
Fat-soluable precursor of Vitamin A, carotene is primarily obtained through diet.

Magnesium/Potassium/Calcium, RBC:
RBC's contain 2 - 3 times the amount of these elements than does serum. Levels in RBC's measured as an adjunct to serum evaluation to determine overall concentration in the body.

Herpes 6 Virus:
HHV6 infects primarily the "T" lymphs of the CF4 (helper) type. Antibodies to this 6th described member of the herpes family are commonly found in most children and adolescents.

Febrile Agglutinins:
Serologic tests for organisms causing fever, e.g. thyphoid fever.

Interleukin-2(IL-2):
Produced by lymphocytes, IL-2 is elevated in certain diseases, e.g. Rheumatoid Arthritis, SLE, type I diabetes and others. Measurement may be used in response to therapy.

Angiotensin-1-Converting Enzyme:
Is found in lung epithelial cells. Its primary function is to convert angiotensin I to the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II. Elevations are seen in active sarcoidosis.

IgG:
Immunoglobulin "G" comprises about 75% of the total immunoglobulins and is the fraction containing most antibodies.

Coxsackie Virus (group A/B):
An enterovirus, coxsackie virus is among the most common causes for viral meningitis (up to 80% of cases.)

Lyme AB:
This antibody is formed in response to the Tick-borne organism Borrelia Borgdorferi, the causative agent for Lyme disease>

EBV:
Epstein Barr virus antibodies are directed against EBV, a herpes-group virus reported to infect 80% of the US population. Infected young children are usually asymptomatic: older children and s develop Infectious Mono syndrome. EBV is also associated with Burkitt's lymphoma in Africa and nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Southern Chile.

CMV:
Cytomegalovirus, also a herpes group virus affects mostly children and adolescents. Largely asymptomatic, CMV-infected individuals resemble those infected with EBV. The virus is shed in body secretions, eg. saliva, semen and .

FANA:
The fluorescent test for antinuclear antibodies (also referred to as an LE test) measures the level of various antibodies in serum detected against different cell nuclei. Presence of ANA's correlates with the number of immunologic conditions, eg. Sjrogen's, lupus and other collagen diseases. The nuclear staining pattern is reported.

ANTI-ds DNA:
Double-stranded DNA antibodies are specific response for SLE.

Cold Agglutinins:
IgM antibodies usually directed against red cell antigens. Present in auto-immune conditions.

IgE:
Immunoglobulin "E" is commonly associated with an allergic response when it is found to be elevated.

Magnesium:
Fourth most common cation; about one-half is found in soft tissue and muscle with the other half in bone. Mostly obtained from diet; important in protein synthesis and enzyme activation.

Zinc:
A common component of certain enzymes, this element is obtained primarily from food. Deficiencies can cause growth retardation.

Calcium:
Third most common cation, calcium is a standard for thyroid function.

T4,Free/Total & T3U:
Thyroid testing is used to assess thyroid dysfunction and/or thyroid disease. Direct measure of thyroxine (total & free) or triidothyronine (T3) and indirect measure of function using FT4 index or T3 uptake allow for supportive evidence of clinical findings.

TSH:
Elevated thyroid stimulating hormone, now referred to as Thyrotropin is useful in the determination of primary thyroid disease and is found elevated in 95% of hypothyroid patients.

Anti-thyroglobulin AB (ATA):
Autoantibody directed against a protein produced by thyroid cells. Positive in chronic thyroiditis.

Anti-thyroid Perox/Microsomal ABS:
Autoantibodies direct against the microsomal component of thyroid cells. More commonly found in chronic thyroiditis than ATA.

* This test is not to be considered as an absolute diagnostic marker for CFS. It is used merely as a diagnostic guideline to help the physician to assess the patient's condition.

Other Tests Available
Amino Acid Profile - Aatron Labs
HHV6 Rapid Culture - Herpesvirus Diagnostics
Mycoplasma - Immunosciences Lab
Mycoplasma - Dr. Garth Nicolson's Lab
Lyme Disease by PCR - Medical Diagnostic Labs