Autoimmune & Immune-Mediated Disorders

Causes & Risk Factors

Autoimmune and immune-mediated disorders arise from a combination of genetic and environmental factors that lead the immune system to target the body's own tissues — see NPL's Autoimmune & Rheumatology page for detailed, condition-specific causes and risk factors.

•  Genetic predisposition, often running in families with autoimmune conditions.

•  Sex — many autoimmune conditions are more common in women.

•  Environmental triggers — including certain infections, in genetically susceptible individuals.

•  Coexistence with other autoimmune or immune-mediated conditions is relatively common.

Symptoms & When to Test

Autoimmune and immune-mediated disorders can affect nearly any organ system — see NPL's Autoimmune & Rheumatology page for detailed symptom information by specific condition.

•  Joint pain, swelling, or stiffness

•  Unexplained fatigue or fever

•  Skin rashes

•  Symptoms affecting other specific organs depending on the condition

When Should You Consider Testing?

Testing is generally appropriate for persistent, unexplained symptoms suggestive of an autoimmune process, as detailed on NPL's Autoimmune & Rheumatology page. This section addresses the immunological testing overlap relevant to the broader Allergy, Immunology & Rare Diseases evaluation pathway.

Why Tests Are Combined

Depending on the clinical presentation, testing may include ANA, ENA, Anti-dsDNA, Anti-CCP, ANCA, and complement C3/C4, along with other disease-specific antibodies, selected based on the specific condition being considered.

These tests are the same core panel used in NPL's dedicated Autoimmune & Rheumatology evaluation pathway — for full detail on individual conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, Sjögren syndrome, vasculitis, antiphospholipid syndrome, demyelinating disease, autoimmune hepatitis), please refer to that dedicated content.

This section exists within Allergy, Immunology & Rare Diseases because autoimmune conditions sometimes need to be distinguished from, or are found alongside, other immunological disorders (such as primary immunodeficiency or complement disorders) covered elsewhere on this page.

Tests Available at NPL

Most allergy and immunology blood tests do not require fasting. However, some tests ordered at the same time may have specific preparation requirements. Please follow the instructions provided by your doctor or NPL.

Home Sample Collection

NPL offers convenient home sample collection for Autoimmune & Immune-Mediated Disorders blood tests, so you don't need to visit a lab in person.

→ Book your test online, via the NPL app, or by calling +977 1 5970147 and select a convenient time slot for home sample collection.

→ A certified and experienced NPL phlebotomist visits your home at the scheduled time, following strict hygiene and safety protocols.

→ Your sample is transported under controlled, monitored conditions to NPL's NABL ACCREDITED UNDER ISO15189:2012laboratory for processing.

→ Your digital report is delivered securely to your phone or email, along with access to download and share it as needed.

When to See a Doctor

•  Persistent joint pain, swelling, or stiffness

•  Unexplained fatigue, fever, or skin rash

•  Symptoms suggestive of a specific autoimmune condition — see NPL's Autoimmune & Rheumatology page for detailed guidance