Diagnostic Tests for Lupus

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Diagnostic Tests for Lupus

Blood count:

This test measures the amount

of hemoglobin, red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in your blood.

Results may indicate you have anemia, which commonly occurs in lupus. Low white

blood cell counts may occur as well.

Erythrocyte

sedimentation rate:

This blood test determines

the rate at which red blood cells settle to the bottom of a tube. A

faster-than-normal rate may indicate a systemic disease such as lupus. The

sedimentation rate is not specific for one disease but may be elevated in

lupus, other inflammatory conditions or with infection.

Kidney and liver

assessment:

A blood test can assess how

well your kidneys and liver are functioning. Lupus may affect these organs as

well as other systemic organs.

Urinalysis:

An examination of a sample of

your urine may show an increased protein level, which may occur if lupus has

affected your kidneys.

Antinuclear antibody

(ANA) test:

A positive test for the

presence of these antibodies .. produced by your immune system .. indicates

a stimulated immune system and is common if you have lupus or another

autoimmune disease. Your doctor may advise more specific antibody testing and

refer you to a rheumatologist. (More info here..

http://www.itzarion.com/lupusana.html

)

Chest X-ray:

An image of your chest and

pleura, which surrounds your lungs, may reveal abnormal shadows or inflammation

of your lungs, which may occur with lupus.

Electrocardiogram

(ECG):

This test measures the

pattern of electrical impulses generated in your heart. It can help identify

irregular rhythms, damage to your heart or enlargement of your heart, any of

which may occur with lupus.

Syphilis test:

If your doctor orders a

syphilis test, it's not because he or she thinks you might have syphilis.

Rather, a false-positive to a syphilis test can indicate antiphospholipid

antibodies in your blood. The presence of antiphospholipid

antibodies has been associated with an increased risk of blood clots, strokes

and recurrent miscarriages.

Hugs,

Deanna

LUPUS Serenity

Prayer...

Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot

change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to hide the

bodies of doctors I shot when they said, You're perfectly healthy, it's all in

your head "