Blood tests may be used to screen for sleep apnea

What is it about?

Blood tests may be used to screen for obstructive sleep apnea in adult men. Sleep apnea is a common chronic disorder that increases risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes, yet the majority of individuals with sleep apnea remain undiagnosed. Concurrent elevations of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythropoietin (EPO) levels identify patients who may have obstructive sleep apnea. The tests correlate with severity of disease, and may also assist in triaging patients for diagnosis and treatment.

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Why is it important?

Blood tests are superior to standard screening methods such as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), particularly in non-obese patients which comprise up to half of individuals with sleep apnea. It is anticipated that use of objective blood tests will improve screening accuracy and timely diagnosis, improve patient management, decrease the incidence of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and decrease healthcare costs.