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Testing...Testing....1,2,3

© Karyn Moran Holton

One of the most frustrating things about having lupus is that there is no definitive test that one can take that says "Yes, you have lupus," or "No, you don't have lupus." That's not to say that lupus patients don't have their fair share of testing! With all of the various body systems that lupus can affect, there are a number of different tests that can be done to see not only if lupus is indicated, but what damage it is doing to the body. It can be very scary to be told, "You need to have some tests done," when you don't know what to expect. Here are some of the most common tests done to diagnose lupus and its effects:

ANA (Antinuclear Antibody): This is a blood test to see how many of a specific type of antibody are in the blood. These antibodies are what can attack the body's own cells. Many doctors mistakenly use this as a "lupus test," but it can be negative in lupus patients, and positive in people who don't have lupus. (It is frequently positive in people who have other connective tissue diseases or who are on certain medications.)

RF (Rheumatoid Factor): This is a blood test to see how much rheumatic activity is going on in the body, since lupus is a rheumatic disease. It's not definitive for lupus, and may be positive in patients with RA (rheumatoid arthritis) or Sjrogren's Syndrome. The higher the titre, the more inflammation is going on in the body.

ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation or Sed Rate): This is another blood test that shows how much inflammation is present in the body. It can also be elevated if there is infection.

C-RP (C-Reactive Protein): Another non-specific test for generalized inflammation, often done with the ESR.

CBC (Complete Blood Count): This blood test measures the levels of white blood cells (an elevated level may indicate infection), red blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit levels (a decreased level may indicate anemia), and platelet levels. This can give the doctors an overview of your blood, and can give them an idea of your present condition.

Basic Metabolic Profile/Chemistry Panel: This blood test measures your glucose (sugar), BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) and creatinine (which are usually elevated with kidney problems), sodium and potassium, (which may also be elevated with dehydration or decreased with kidney problems). Chemistry tests are sometimes called Chem 7s, Chem 19s, or Chem 25s, depending on which tests are included. Other things in the more detailed tests can include protein levels, cholesterol, and calcium levels.

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