Diagnostic criteria for autoimmune diseases

Diagnostic criteria for autoimmune diseases involve a combination of clinical symptoms, laboratory tests, and sometimes imaging studies. Doctors look for specific signs of an autoimmune response, such as inflammation, tissue damage, or the presence of specific autoantibodies in the blood. Criteria can vary by disease but generally include a pattern of symptoms, laboratory results, and excluding other potential causes. A careful evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential to make an accurate diagnosis, as autoimmune diseases can share similar symptoms with other conditions. Early diagnosis and management are crucial for better health outcomes.