Lupus is characterized by abnormalities in many laboratory test results.

These abnormalities are different for every patient and vary significantly during the course of a patient's disease.

The serial evaluation of an individual's tests along with the physician's observations and the patient's history determine the diagnosis of SLE, its course, and the treatment regimen.

All laboratory values must be interpreted in light of the patient's present status, other correlating laboratory test results, and coexisting illnesses.

This chapter briefly describes the major tests used to diagnose and evaluate SLE and provides information on their rationale and clinical usefulness.

Nurses and other health professionals should consult rheumatologists, manuals of laboratory and diagnostic tests, or hospital clinical laboratory departments for further information on possible interpretations of results from these tests and their implications for SLE.

Tests for Blood Cell Abnormalities


Measurements of Autoimmunity


Tests for Kidney Disease