Currently, there's no single test that can definitively diagnose lupus. Rheumatologists use a combination of symptoms along with blood and urine tests to make a diagnosis. If you have some lupus symptoms but not enough for a full diagnosis, doctors may classify this as undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD).
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Currently, there's no single test that can definitively diagnose lupus. Rheumatologists use a combination of symptoms along with blood and urine tests to make a diagnosis. If you have some lupus symptoms but not enough for a full diagnosis, doctors may classify this as undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD).
Up to 25% of people with connective tissue disease symptoms receive a UCTD diagnosis. This doesn't mean doctors don't understand what's happening - it just means your symptoms don't fit clearly into a specific diagnosis pattern yet. It's important to have ongoing conversations with your rheumatologist about what your current symptoms mean and what needs to happen for a more definitive diagnosis. Even without a clear diagnosis, your rheumatology team should work with you to find treatments that improve your quality of life and manage your symptoms effectively.
August 7, 2025
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