Clinical Immunology focuses on the immune system’s health. Learn about the diagnosis and treatment of allergies, autoimmune diseases, and immunodeficiencies.
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Diagnosing lupus is one of the most challenging tasks in medicine. There is no single “yes or no” test for the disease. Instead, diagnosis is a puzzle that requires assembling pieces from clinical history, physical examination, and a battery of laboratory tests. The process can take months or even years as symptoms evolve. Physicians rely on established classification criteria, such as those from the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and EULAR, to navigate the complexities of this autoimmune condition.
Given the high risk of lupus nephritis, evaluating kidney health is a standard part of the diagnostic workup.
Beyond autoantibodies, general blood and urine tests reveal how the disease is affecting the body’s systems.
The ANA test is the entry point for lupus diagnosis. It detects antibodies that target the cell nucleus.
If the ANA is positive, more specific tests are ordered to confirm the diagnosis and assess organ risk.
When non-invasive tests are inconclusive or when organ involvement needs precise staging, a biopsy is performed.
Imaging helps evaluate complications in organs that cannot be easily biopsied or seen.
Rheumatologists use a scoring system to standardize the diagnosis. A patient must meet a certain threshold of points derived from clinical and laboratory domains.
The diagnostic process involves rigorously ruling out other conditions that mimic lupus.
At Liv Hospital, we employ state-of-the-art diagnostic technology to solve the lupus puzzle. Our immunology laboratories utilize high-sensitivity assays to detect autoantibodies with precision, minimizing false positives and negatives. We offer advanced imaging and minimally invasive biopsy techniques performed by interventional specialists to stage organ involvement accurately. Our team carefully synthesizes this data to ensure your diagnosis is accurate and comprehensive. We believe that a precise diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment, and we leave no stone unturned in understanding your unique condition.
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Because a positive ANA can be found in healthy people or those with other infections, it indicates an active immune system but doesn’t specify lupus on its own.
It is generally safe but carries a small risk of bleeding. The information it provides is often critical for saving kidney function.
During active disease, you might need tests every month. When stable, tests are usually done every 3 to 6 months.
It is possible, but scarce (called ANA-negative lupus). In these cases, other specific antibodies, such as Anti-Ro/SSA, are usually present.
Active lupus shows high inflammation markers (ESR, CRP), low complement levels, and high DNA antibodies. Inactive lupus shows normal or stable levels.
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