Lupus Diagnosis
It can be challenging for doctors to diagnose lupus. Lupus can mimic other disease and its initial presentation varies from patient to patient. It is not unusual to have minor symptoms for years prior to diagnosis. There is no singular test for lupus. There are certain abnormal antibodies that can give clues to the diagnosis, including antinuclear antibodies (ANAs), deoxyribonucleic acid antibodies (anti DNAs), and anti-Smith antibodies. White and red blood counts can be low as can platelet counts. Sometimes tissue biopsies are necessary for diagnosis.