Description

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. It can affect nearly any organ—including the joints, skin, kidneys, lungs, heart, brain, and blood vessels. Symptoms are often unpredictable, with flares followed by periods of improvement.

Common Symptoms Include:

  • Fatigue
  • Joint pain or stiffness
  • Skin rashes (especially across the cheeks)
  • Fever
  • Hair loss
  • Mouth sores
  • Swelling in the hands, feet, or face
  • Headaches or confusion
  • Shortness of breath
  • Blood clots

Because symptoms vary widely and mimic other conditions, early testing is critical for proper diagnosis and management.

This Panel Includes the Following Biomarkers:

1. Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Screen with Reflex to Titer and Pattern

Purpose: Detects antinuclear antibodies, commonly present in lupus and other autoimmune diseases.

Details: If ANA is positive, the test reflexes to measure antibody titer and staining pattern.

Why it matters: A positive ANA is found in over 95% of lupus patients. It is a crucial first step in diagnosis and guides further testing.

2. C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

Purpose: Measures levels of inflammation in the body.

Why it matters: Elevated CRP can indicate active inflammation or a lupus flare, helping monitor disease activity.

3. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Purpose: Evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Why it matters: Lupus can cause anemia, low white cell counts, or low platelets—often correlating with disease activity or severity.

4. Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

Purpose: Assesses kidney and liver function, blood sugar, electrolytes, and protein levels.

Why it matters: Lupus often affects kidney and liver function. CMP provides early detection of organ involvement.

5. Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

Purpose: Measures the rate at which red blood cells settle in a test tube.

Why it matters: A nonspecific marker of inflammation, often elevated during lupus flares. It complements CRP in assessing disease activity.

Test Preparation:

  • Fasting: Not required

Recommended For Individuals With:

  • Ongoing or unexplained fatigue and joint pain
  • Rash, hair loss, or unexplained fever
  • Suspected autoimmune disease or lupus
  • Personal or family history of autoimmune conditions
  • Evaluation prior to seeing a rheumatologist

Why This Panel Matters:

Lupus can be difficult to diagnose due to its wide range of symptoms and overlap with other conditions. This comprehensive panel offers a targeted yet broad starting point by:

  • Identifying key autoimmune markers (ANA)
  • Measuring both acute (CRP) and chronic (ESR) inflammation
  • Evaluating overall blood health (CBC)
  • Assessing organ function and possible complications (CMP)