LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Lupus is usually easy to diagnose when an individual had many of the more characteristic symptoms and signs, but is made more difficult if none or only a few are present.

Laboratory tests are then usually conducted to help confirm or reject the diagnosis. These test may conclude a blood count, looking for low numbers of white blood cells, red blood cells and/or platelets. The urine is examined for protein, red blood cells and white blood cells. Blood tests my be done to measure kidney function. More specific laboratory tests look for antibodies, in particular, antibodies to the nuclei of cells (the ANA, or anti-nuclear antibody test).   Over 99 percent of people with systemic lupus have a positive ANA test. however, it should be stressed that only 35 percent of people with a positive ANA test have SLE. To avoid confusion, immunologists have developed better tests, such as the antibody to DNA tests.

 Information by:-
Peter Scbur, M.D.
professor of Medicine, Harvard medical School
Director of Lupus Clinic & Research
Brigham  and Women's Hospital