What blood tests are used to check for systemic lupus erythematosus?
No single blood test can diagnose lupus, but several tests together help doctors make a diagnosis. Your healthcare provider will likely order multiple blood tests to get a complete picture.
The most important blood tests for lupus include:
* Antinuclear Show Full Answer
What blood tests are used to check for systemic lupus erythematosus?
No single blood test can diagnose lupus, but several tests together help doctors make a diagnosis. Your healthcare provider will likely order multiple blood tests to get a complete picture.
The most important blood tests for lupus include:
* Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test - A positive result is required for a lupus diagnosis and shows an overactive immune system
* Lupus-specific antibodies - Anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) and anti-Smith (anti-Sm) antibodies strongly suggest lupus
* Complete blood count (CBC) - Checks for low red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets, which can occur with lupus
* Complement proteins (C3 and C4) - Low levels indicate inflammation and possible organ problems
* Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) - Detects inflammation in your body
* Blood clotting tests - Check if lupus is affecting how your blood clots
Your doctor may also test for other antibodies like anti-cardiolipin, anti-beta 2 GP1, and lupus anticoagulants.
These test results need to be reviewed alongside your symptoms and physical exam findings. Your doctor will use all this information together to determine if you have lupus.
March 16
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