Because
many Lupus symptoms mimic other illnesses, and because symptoms come and
go, Lupus can be difficult to diagnose. Currently, there is no single
laboratory test that can determine whether a person has Lupus or not.
A blood test called an ANA is the best diagnostic test for SLE. Therefore,
a physician must evaluate each person to determine whether the presenting
symptoms, lab test results and physical findings add up to a positive
diagnosis.
Test Yourself for Lupus
| 1. | Have you ever had achy, painful and/or swollen joints for more than three months? | ||
| 2. | Do your fingers and/or toes become pale, blue or purple, and numb or uncomfortable in the cold? | ||
| 3. | Have you had any sores in your mouth for more than two weeks? | ||
| 4. | Have you ever been told that you have a low blood count - anemia, low white cell count or a low platelet count? | ||
| 5. | Have you ever had a prominent redness or color change in the shape of a butterfly across the bridge of your nose and cheeks? | ||
| 6. | Have you ever had an unexplained fever over 100 degrees for more than a few days? | ||
| 7. | Have you ever had a sensitivity to the sun where your skin "breaks out" after being in the sun (not a sunburn)? | ||
| 8. | Have you ever had chest pain with breathing for more than a few days (pleurisy)? | ||
| 9. | Have you ever been told you have protein in your urine? | ||
| 10. | Have you ever experienced persistent, extreme fatigue and weakness for days or even weeks at a time, even after 6-8 hours of restful night-time sleep? | ||
If you answered "yes" to at least three of these questions, there is a possibility you may have Lupus. We suggest you call your doctor or the Lupus Foundation of Colorado to discuss any questions you may have about Lupus.
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Click
on these links to learn more about Lupus
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| Symptoms of Lupus | Manifestations of Lupus | ||
| Treatments of Lupus | Test Yourself for Lupus | ||
Click here to return to the All About Lupus page.
