Lupus Laboratory Tests

 These are the common check ups the doctor would ask you for Lupus Testing. It was a hold-up price actually because each laboratory cost you badly and if the result of the test is blurry then you need to do it again based on my experience.

Blood and urine tests, signs and symptoms, and physical examination findings leads to the diagnosis.

Laboratory tests

Urine and Blood Test

• Urinalysis. An examination of a sample of your urine may show an increased protein level or red blood cells in the urine, which may occur if lupus has affected your kidneys.

• ·      A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test used to evaluate your overall health and detect a wide range of disorders, including anemia, infection and leukemia.

A complete blood count test measures several components and features of your blood, including:

• Red blood cells, which carry oxygen
• Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells
• Crematoria, the proportion of red blood cells to the fluid component, or plasma, in your blood
• Platelets, which help with blood clotting
• (WBC)White blood cells – fights infection

Abnormal increases or decreases in cell counts as revealed in a complete blood count may indicate that you have an underlying medical condition that calls for further evaluation.

• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate. It determines the rate at which red blood cells settle to the bottom of a tube in an hour. A faster than normal rate may indicate a systemic disease, such as lupus. The sedimentation rate isn't specific for any one disease. It may be elevated if you have lupus, another inflammatory condition, cancer or an infection.
• Kidney and liver assessment. Blood tests can assess how well your kidneys and liver are functioning. Lupus can affect these organs.
• Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test. Usually the last test to identify Lupus and it is the basis if Lupus is present. A positive test for the presence of these antibodies — produced by your immune system — indicates a stimulated immune system. While most people with lupus have a positive ANA test, most people with a positive ANA do not have lupus. If you test positive for ANA, your doctor may advise more-specific antibody testing.

Further Tests may include Imaging test and Biopsy if the Lupus is dominating the body already

Imaging tests

If your doctor suspects that lupus is affecting your lungs or heart, he or she may suggest this test:

• Chest X-ray. An image of your chest may reveal abnormal shadows that suggest fluid or inflammation in your lungs.
• Echo-cardiogram. This test uses sound waves to produce real-time images of your beating heart. It can check for problems with your valves and other portions of your heart.

Biopsy 

If kidneys are affected already, there are different ways to cure them. The Biopsy is necessary to test a sample of kidney tissue to determine the best treatment might be for the patient. The sample can be obtained with a needle or through a small incision.