Making the Diagnosis
An antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is the most important test for lupus, as almost all people with lupus will have elevated blood levels of antinuclear antibodies. However, a diagnosis will not be based on ANA results alone, because many people with other chronic inflammatory-type diseases have a positive ANA. Your medical history and a physical examination done by your doctor will play an important role in making the diagnosis. Other laboratory studies such as tests of kidney function, as well as joint X-rays and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans, will help determine the extent of the disease.