It can be hard to diagnose PNH because it is rare.
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Self-Checks/At-Home Testing
PNH is mainly diagnosed in a lab or by your doctor.
There are no at-home testing kits or self-checks that can accurately diagnose the condition.
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For the most accurate results, you should see your doctor for a special urine test (urinalysis).
What Does PNH Look Like?
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a condition that can have symptoms such as weakness and fatigue.
With PNH, your blood cells are lacking some of the proteins that protect them from destruction.
Your red and white blood cells might be damaged or destroyed faster than they can be replaced.
Several physical symptoms can develop with PNH, but many of them are also common in other conditions.
A blood test calledflow cytometryis considered the gold standard for diagnosing PNH.
The test allows your healthcare team to examine a large number of cells all at once.
It’s particularly useful for examining and classifying different types of blood cells.
Theblood collectionis done in a laboratory or healthcare facility using a small needle inserted into your arm.
Imaging
Imaging tests are not typically used to diagnose PNH.
It’s not passed through families.
The diagnosis relies on clinical assessments and laboratory testing.
You may need to have many tests performedor even seek out a second opinionbefore you get a diagnosis.
A Word From Verywell
If you have symptoms of PNH, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
There are no accurate home tests or screening tests for the condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
No.
There are no home tests that can be used to diagnose PNH.
If you think you have PNH, you should call your doctor to set up an appointment.
Some symptoms of PNH can be noticeable, like fatigue or shortness of breath.
However, these symptoms also occur in many other conditions.
Blood testing is the best way to get an accurate diagnosis of PNH.
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