Introduction Tests for micro-organisms Hormone tests Imaging Tests to monitor treatment
No tests are necessary for most patients with acne. Tests may be requested to look for infection, to investigate the cause of the disease, or to monitor treatment.
Although bacteria, especially Cutibacterium acnes (formerly known as Propionibacterium acnes), are involved in the development of acne, they are a normal part of the skin flora and can be detected in people with or without acne lesions.
Occasionally it is wise to obtain a swab and/or scraping from an acne spot, or acne-like pustule, for microbiological examination and culture. This is because acne can resemble infections, including:
Some women may be advised to have blood tests to measure hormone levels. The reasons include:
These hormone tests are best taken between 8:00 and 10:00 am during the first half of the menstrual cycle. They may include:
A pelvic ultrasound scan is usually very good at excluding ovarian cysts and tumours on the ovary and adrenal gland. X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be arranged if there is suspicion of tumour.
Blood tests may be performed to monitor the safety of treatment:
