Tests

Tests

Key Facts

Lab and imaging tests do NOT establish the diagnosis of PD.
Most tests are to eliminate another possible diagnosis.

Clinical Best Practices

Confirm your PD diagnosis in every visit.
There is no diagnostic test used to make the initial diagnosis of PD.

There are some tests that you should consider when following up with a patient with PD. Remember that in every visit you should confirm your PD diagnosis. Atypical features should make you consider other diagnosis.

The following tests should be considered:

Complete blood cell count and sedimentation rate (Note: if you are considering using clozapine or if your patient is taking clozapine, a white blood cell count would be appropriate due to the risk of agranulocytosis)
Chemistry
Urine analysis
BUN & creatinine
Thyroid analysis
Liver function
Serum ceruloplasmin
Copper levels
CT scan, MRI, DaTSCAN
Polysomnography, if a patient has insomnia and/or excessive diurnal somnolence (also if a patient is fighting or talking in his sleep)
The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) test: used in PD to evaluate cognition
The Multi-dimensional Caregiver Strain Scale Index (MCSI): used in PD to address caregiver burden
The PD Impulsive-Compulsive Disorders Queationnaire is used to adress impulse control disorders. Click here for QUIP scoring sheet