Amyloidosis

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of primary amyloidosis is based on the discovery of amyloid deposits in organs or other body tissues. First, your physician will perform a thorough physical examination to determine if organs are functioning properly. Blood, urine and bone marrow testing may be ordered. A small tissue sample (biopsy) may be taken from the rectum, abdominal fat or bone marrow. These biopsies are relatively minor procedures done in an outpatient setting under local anesthetic (numbing medication). Occasionally, biopsies are taken from the liver, nerve, heart or kidney. Such biopsies are done using local anesthetic and sedation; hospitalization is rarely required. Only bone marrow tests or tissue biopsies can positively establish the diagnosis of amyloidosis and classify the type.