title: Laboratory tests for diagnosing connective tissue diseases.
abstract: The author describes three most useful groups of laboratory tests for connective tissue disease - hemogram, acute phase reactants and immune factors. Since most of these tests are relatively non-specific, the most valuable assets for arriving at the correct diagnosis of a connective tissue disease are still a complete history, thorough physical examination and a good knowledge of the course of the disease. Newer laboratory tests can then serve as adjuncts in confirming the diagnosis or following the course of the disease.
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Urowitz