Alopecia laboratory findings

Alopecia Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Alopecia from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
X-ray
Echocardiography and Ultrasound
CT Scan
MRI
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Laser Therapy
Concealing Hair Loss
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Alopecia laboratory findings On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Alopecia laboratory findings All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Alopecia laboratory findings
CDC on Alopecia laboratory findings
Alopecia laboratory findings in the news
Blogs on Alopecia laboratory findings
Directions to Hospitals Treating Alopecia
Risk calculators and risk factors for Alopecia laboratory findings

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Ogechukwu Hannah Nnabude, MD

Overview

Some causes of alopecia may present with abnormal laboratory findings. For example, thyroid stimulating hormone levels may be elevated in hypothyroidism. In syphilis, patients may have an elevated rapid plasma reagin level. Hence, laboratory investigations may help narrow down the cause of alopecia.

Laboratory Findings

Electrolyte and Biomarker Studies

The following laboratory tests can be completed in cases of a patient presenting with alopecia.

• Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) which would be elevated in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus
• Dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S)
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) which is an inflammatory marker
• Iron studies
• Prolactin
• Rapid plasma reagin (RPR) which may be seen in syphilis
• Testosterone
• Thyroid function tests which would be abnormal in hypothyroidism
• Viral and bacterial cultures

There are other tests available in cases in which there are other symptoms associated with alopecia.

• KOH prep if patchy alopecia with scaling or inflammation. This is used to investigate fungal causes of hair loss
• Medical illness suspected: CBC, TSH, possibly ferritin
• RPR if patchy or unexplained loss