tests to diagnose lupus
Lupus Blood Tests. Blood Tests Used in the Diagnosis of Lupus. Antibodies form in the body as a response to infection. When an invader (antigen) enters the body, white blood cells known as B lymphocytes react by making special types of proteins called antibodies.
The antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is the go-to screening test for lupus. If the result is negative, says Dr. Gilkeson, you can almost guarantee that a patient doesnât have lupus. On the other hand, a positive result is much less clear; 90% to 95% of people who have a positive ANA test donât have lupus.