Lupus Erythematosus.
Last updated Thursday, December 23, 2004
Diagnosis and evaluationHow is lupus erythematosus diagnosed? It is sometimes difficult to diagnose lupus, particularly in people with mild symptoms of the disease.
Your doctor will ask you many questions and do a complete physical examination. Next, certain laboratory tests
will be performed. For example, a blood count is done to see if you
have too few red cells, white cells, or platelets, blood cells that
help to control bleeding and clotting. What tests may be used to diagnose lupus erythematosus? If your doctor thinks you may have lupus, a blood test will be done
to determine if you have a type of antibody that is found in the blood
of almost all people with lupus. This is called an antinuclear antibody
or ANA. Other blood tests may be done for diagnosis and as an aid in
following disease activity. Blood chemistry tests will help to
determine whether organs such as the kidneys and liver are functioning
normally.
Because kidney problems often occur, you may have a urinalysis, an
examination of your urine. You may be asked to collect all the urine
you pass in a 24-hour period so that kidney function tests can be done.
If kidney involvement is suspected, you may have a biopsy performed,
during which a small piece of tissue from one of your kidneys is
removed and examined with special tests.
A chest X-ray may be taken to see whether the lungs or heart are
involved. An electrocardiogram and echocardiogram may also be done to
help determine if there is any heart involvement.
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