Lupus Test? - Lupus Message Board

ArcticLoon · 09-05-2003, 03:08 PM

What is the name of the test for lupus? Had a Rheumatoid Panel done, CBC Sed Rate Uric RA Factor ANA Lyme. It's too late to contact my doctor. Does anyone know if the test for lupus was included above.

The above tests came back negative. Hovever, there is a POSITIVE ANA. I take Advil (ibuprophen) but no other meds. The ANA TEST came back positive 1:640 whereas in May it was 1:80.

Thanks for any insight on this matter. Rebeckah

Marsha M · 09-11-2003, 01:16 AM

In addition to those blood tests there are 'clinical signs' that the doctors I have seen look for. As far as the ANA (Anti Nuclear Antibodies) counts go it has been my experience that at 1:640 the Doctors didn't seem too concerned. Although the discomfort I felt from the clinical symtoms were adressed with medications to treat the different symtoms and nt the lupus itself. At that time I was told that they generally don't give the corizone treatment(pills or whatever form) untill the ANA gets over 1:2000. The closest I ever came was 1:1760. I wanted to avoid the prednizone at all costs. I had seen my grandson take it for asthma, he puffed up, gained weight and had a very cranky disposition.
I have been very fortunate and very carefull I have not had a full blown lupus crisis since 1990 (1:1760). I have come close once or twice. My doctor watches the SED rate and one other to do with the lymp system. My WBC has been as high as 26,000 and I am really well if it is 16,000 the lowest since 1988. Last time a problem was 2000 Spring I lost a pound a day and many counts were bad. No explanation at all. I doubled up on care. More rest, better nutrician, and just take it easy limit and/or ignor stressers. Take good care of yourself AND TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF FIRST.

ArcticLoon · 09-11-2003, 05:12 PM

Thank you Marsha M. Helped me to get this info. I am not going to pursue going to a specialist. My Complete Blood Count was fine. Thanks Again! Arctic Loon

angela12ca · 09-22-2003, 10:43 AM

Hi,

ANA is not a predictor of how bad the lupus is.. it can vary and a result of 1:160 is high enough to point to a possible lupus dx. I was dx with a
ANA of that degree and i was flaring at the time. Of course there are a number of other lab work and symptoms that are considered to dx someone with sle. Blood work can remain stable and some people with severe flares never even get a elevated sed rate. Prednisone is not as bad as it sounds and has been life saving in many cases. You need to be evaluated by a rheumatologist that specializes in tx of lupus and can dx and treat you appropriately

Angela12cca