Drumstick Finger: Test and Diagnosis

2nd order laboratory parameters – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, etc. – for differential diagnostic clarification

• Small blood count
• Differential blood count
• Inflammatory parameter – CRP (C-reactive protein)
• Electrolytes – calcium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphate.
• Blood gas analysis (BGA)
• Liver parameters – alanine aminotransferase (ALT, GPT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST, GOT), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (gamma-GT, GGT), alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin.
• NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide) – for suspected heart failure (cardiac insufficiency).
• Sputum diagnostics – as far as sputum is present.
• Tuberculosis detection:
  • Bacteriological examination (microscopic and cultural): sputum, gastric juice, urine, lymph nodes, other tissue.
  • Molecular genetic methods (Tbc-PCR) – this test method is based on the detection of the genetic material of the pathogens.
• Celiac disease serology: endomysium antibodies (EMA) and transglutaminase antibodies (tTG9/ endomysium IgA and transglutaminase IgA [prevalence on average between around 83% and 72%, respectively; selective IgA deficiency must be previously excluded* /prevalence (disease incidence) 2%]. IgG antibodies against deamidated gliadin peptides (IgG anti-DGP), which are formed after deaminidation by tissue transgluatminase (TG2) in the mucosa (mucosa) of the small intestine in celiac disease – in the case of proven IgA deficiency and suspected celiac disease [predictive value: < 70 %], if necessary also genetic test (DNA analysis)/detection of celiac disease-associated HLA-DQ gene constellation (Cave: Genetic Diagnostics Act).