Hi. I was wondering if you can offer some info?
My doctor is ordering some blood work and it goes as follows.....

ANA, dsDNA, SS-A, SS-b

C3 C4, ESR, ENA, CBC,

Are we missing anything? What other tests are done to dx Lupus?

Thank you!

There are definately numerous tests, it looks like he/she is touching on the most common. They will not usually order the full gamot at one shot. It is over time. The bottom list will be ordered every time. Atleast it is for me, along with the uninalysis.

It is extremely rare to be diagnosed with SLE from one panel of tests, The bloodwork is only part of the process. It has happened, but rarely. Usually the rheumi will want to observe some of the physical criteria on their own. That is why it is hard when you change doctors in the midst of the diagnosis process.

Make sure you get copies of all of your test results from ALL of your doctors. When you get a rash, take photos! close up too.

Usually if they suspect an autoimmune disease, and the physical and some of the bloodwork backs up that up, they will diagnose Undifferentiated/Diffuse Connective Tissue Disease or UCTD, till the whole picture comes together.

The problem isn't the bloodwork, it is the fact that so many of the same symptoms and antibodies are shared by many autoimmune diseases. There are VERY few that are specific. Anti SM or the DNA are the only two that are known to be specific to Lupus, but you can also have SLE and NOT have those antibodies.

It is a very frustrating process!

Thanks for the reply Erin.
I don't see the anti-sm or the anti-ro listed on the script. I thought these two were very specific to Lupus?
Also, what is the ENA test for?

Thanks!

Thanks for the reply Erin.
I don't see the anti-sm or the anti-ro listed on the script. I thought these two were very specific to Lupus?
Also, what is the ENA test for?

Thanks!

The Anti SM is but the ro isn't and it is listed...it is the one that says SSA & SSB it is actually called Anti ro SSA or Anti Ro SSB. SSb is usually seen positive SSB in Primary Sjogrens...SSA is not specific and can be seen in Sjorgrens, SCLE and SLE. The dsDNA (another antibody test, not really a DNA test) is also specific to SLE which he has requested.

As I said, they usually run them in spurts..not all at once. But he is hitting on the main ones...the C4 and sed rates (ESR's) are usually also used in the process. If you are looking for a quick, fast, one easy blood test to diagnose SLE, it is as I said VERY rare.

ENA- Extractable Nuclear Antibody. Blood test that covers Anti-RNP, Anti-Sm, Anti-La, Anti-Ro antibodies.

It may be a different type of the same antibody test, but you see it covers the Anti-SM too.

Hope this helps, let me know if you need any other info. I will try, I am just a patient myself. But, you have to get educated on this stuff when you see so many drs. I also do better with the known than the unknown. It sucks being in limbo, I know..been there, done that!

O.K so the anti-sm is not on the script, right? She didn't order this one?
The anti-ro is the same as SS-a, SS-b?

Sorry confused:confused:

Thanks!

Wait! I forgot, the ENA is the same as the anti-sm? So you don't have to order a seperate test called anti-sm?

Thanks again

It depends on the lab and dr. Some labs have panel orders..which this one is.