Pan Uveitis Profile by PCR - Fluid

This test measures evidence of choroidal or retinal inflammation using specialised PCR (polymerase chain reaction) techniques on the ocular fluid.

• To evaluate the presence of eye inflammation and detect early stages of related diseases • To monitor treatment effectiveness and disease progression • To assess risks before proceeding with eye surgeries • To differentiate between infectious and non-infectious uveitis

Your doctor may recommend this test if you have • uveitis or any related symptoms such as blurred vision, headaches, eye pain, floaters/flashers, etc., • a family history of uveitis or autoimmune diseases, • infection-prone conditions such as HIV/AIDS, • concurrent infections like tuberculosis or hepatitis C, or • unexplained inflammation in your iris or uveal tract.

Abnormal results could indicate ocular infections such as endophthalmitis, toxoplasmosis, syphilis, tuberculosis, herpesviruses, or enteroviruses.

During this test, a sample of your ocular fluid will be collected by a needle using local anaesthesia. You may feel minor discomfort or pressure during the procedure which takes about 30 minutes. The sample will then be sent to the lab for processing.

• Inform your doctor if you are taking any medication or if you have any specific requirements. • Avoid alcohol or smoking 24 hours before the test. • Follow instructions regarding fasting, if any, from your doctor. • Inform the laboratory if you have had eye surgeries or treatments recently.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT): This imaging test measures nerve fibre thickness in your retina and identifies changes in blood vessels or tissues. Fluorescein angiography: A dye test that identifies and evaluates blood flow issues in the retinal tissue. Blood tests: To check for concurrent infections and autoimmune conditions.

PCR-based infectious disease testing of intraocular fluids

Uveitis refers to inflammation of the uvea, which is a pigmented layer within the eye responsible for oxygen and nutrient transport functions. This inflammation can also affect other parts of your eye, leading to severe vision damage or blindness if left untreated.