how to diagnose lupus

These tests include the following. Symptoms include inflammation of.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Nature Reviews Disease Primers

How lupus is diagnosed Lupus also called systemic lupus erythematosus is not always easy to diagnose because it can be similar to other conditions.

. Medical history Physical exam Blood tests for autoantibodies. If four or more of these traits apply to you you may be diagnosed with lupus. Certain symptoms such as lupus nephritis are considered more serious and are given more points. Review patient symptoms 2.

How is lupus diagnosed. Taking samples of blood for laboratory tests such as. Besides blood tests used to diagnose and monitor lupus doctors use urine tests to diagnose and monitor the effects of lupus on the kidneys. Asking if anyone in your family has lupus or other autoimmune diseases.

While no single test can determine whether a person has lupus several laboratory tests may help the doctor confirm a diagnosis or at least rule out other ailments. Complete blood count CBC. To be diagnosed with lupus you must have a positive ANA test plus score at least 10. In addition to standard blood and urine tests you may be asked to collect your urine for an entire day.

If your doctor thinks you may have lupus theyll start. Tests to diagnose lupus nephritis include. Diagnosis of lupus or any other chronic illness may be established using the 5 Step Programme. ANTI-NUCLEAR ANTIBODY ANA TEST When found in the blood and the.

Blood and urine tests. Detailed physical examination 3. Measures the level of complement proteins in your blood that. Your doctor may run some or all of these tests sometimes several times to diagnose.

Checks for low counts of red blood cells white blood cells and platelets. The diagnosis is based mainly on your doctor talking to you and examining you. They will ask you a number of questions about your symptoms and then take. Learn more about diagnosing lupus.

IMMUNOLOGIC DISORDER Tests anti-DNA anti-SM antibodies antiphospholipid antibodies. Performing a complete physical exam. Battery of tests 4. Confirming a lupus diagnosis depends on the combined results and interpretation of many different factors including.

The most common tests for lupus fall into 4 categories blood work urinalysis biopsy and imaging.