Patients with unexplained respiratory symptoms, suspected connective tissue disorders, or progressive lung disease are usually recommended for this test to identify autoimmune involvement.

It does not confirm ILD alone but helps identify autoimmune causes. Diagnosis usually involves combining test results with imaging and clinical evaluation.

A positive result indicates autoimmune antibodies are present, suggesting immune-related lung disease. Health care professional may recommend immunosuppressive therapy or further evaluation.

A negative result means no autoimmune antibodies were detected, but other causes of interstitial lung disease may still need investigation.

Without testing, autoimmune-related lung disease may remain undiagnosed, leading to progressive scarring, breathing difficulties, and reduced treatment options.

While autoimmune conditions cannot always be prevented, early detection through this test allows timely treatment to slow disease progression.