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Diagnosis of Scleroderma
Diagnostic Testing for Scleroderma
There is no single test that is definitive for a diagnosis of scleroderma. Diagnosis is usually achieved by a combination of laboratory tests and clinical evidence of signs and symptoms. Clinical features are a critical aspect of the diagnostic process. Skin involvement is the primary symptom and is often first evaluated by a dermatologist. Laboratory testing is done in an effort to confirm the diagnosis.
One of the first tests frequently done when scleroderma is suspected is the "nailfold capillary test" in which the skin beneath the patient's fingernail is examined under a microscope to evaluate the presence or absence of normal capillary function. This test is done both to track the transition of Raynaud's phenomenon to scleroderma as well as to diagnose patients in whom systemic scleroderma is suspected in the absence of Raynaud's phenomenon.
If systemic scleroderma is suspected, the doctor may request a skin biopsy to look for collagen fibers (connective tissue) in the skin layers.
