Laboratory work‐up and specialized investigations

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SummaryMaking the correct diagnosis of a specific uveitic entity is critical to appropriate management. The likely diagnosis can be derived from medical history, anatomic type and clinical characteristics of uveitis, and results of ocular imaging in selected cases. Laboratory testing then is performed to look for an infectious cause or an underlying systemic disease, that cannot be identified on a clinical basis. A comprehensive work‐up is costly and unnecessary. It may also give misleading positive results. Laboratory investigations should rather be tailored to epidemiological data and clinical findings. In cases of suspected intraocular infections, intraocular fluids may be evaluated for specific antibody production or polymerase chain testing. In case of negative history and absence of findings suggestive of a particular diagnosis, a minimal work‐up should be performed, including complete blood count, erythrocvyte sedimentation rate, Mantoux test, interferon‐gamma release assay, chest X‐ray, and serology of syphilis. A more extensive work‐up may be required in cases of severe uveitis, recurrences, resistance to treatment or worsening under therapy.