Lupus Blood Test Options

A lupus blood test can measure ANA, anti-dsDNA, or histone antibodies, depending on the option selected. The Lupus Screening Panel also measures blood-cell counts, urine protein and blood, creatinine, eGFR, ESR, hs-CRP, rheumatoid factor, and clotting times. Together, those findings help a clinician assess antibody results alongside inflammation, blood counts, urine findings, and organ-related measurements.

No. ANA is a screening result that occurs in lupus and in other autoimmune conditions, and it can also be positive in people without lupus. ANA by IFA with reflex to titer and pattern adds detail about the level and staining pattern after a positive screen. Diagnosis requires professional assessment of symptoms, history, examination, and supporting laboratory findings.

Anti-dsDNA measures antibodies against double-stranded DNA, while ANA by IFA screens for antibodies directed at cell nuclei more broadly. ANA is commonly used in an initial autoimmune evaluation; anti-dsDNA is a more targeted lupus-related antibody measurement. A positive or negative result from either test does not settle the diagnosis by itself, so related clinical findings remain important.

The Lupus Screening Panel suits shoppers seeking ANA and anti-dsDNA alongside blood count, urinalysis, inflammation, metabolic, rheumatoid factor, and clotting results. It reports hemoglobin, white blood cells, platelets, urine protein, urine blood, creatinine, eGFR, ESR, hs-CRP, PT, INR, and activated partial thromboplastin time. That combination is useful when antibody findings need to be viewed with several related measurements.

Urine protein and occult blood are findings that deserve attention in a lupus evaluation because they can point to urinary or kidney-related concerns, though they have many possible causes. The Lupus Screening Panel also reports urine red blood cells, white blood cells, nitrite, leukocyte esterase, and specific gravity. A clinician should interpret abnormal urine results with creatinine, eGFR, symptoms, and repeat testing when appropriate.

Creatinine and eGFR describe filtration-related kidney results, which can add important information when lupus is being evaluated or followed. Urea nitrogen and the BUN-to-creatinine ratio provide related information in the Lupus Screening Panel. Creatinine is influenced by factors such as muscle mass and hydration, so an isolated value should not be treated as proof of a lupus-related problem.

ESR and hs-CRP are nonspecific measures associated with inflammation. They can be elevated for many reasons, including infections, injuries, and inflammatory conditions, so they do not identify lupus on their own. In the Lupus Screening Panel, they sit alongside ANA, anti-dsDNA, blood counts, urinalysis, and metabolic results to provide additional information for professional review.

ANA reflex testing provides more detail after a positive ANA by IFA result. The titer describes the reported antibody level, and the pattern describes the laboratory staining appearance. Lupus Panel 2 with ANA, IFA with Reflex to Titer and Pattern is appropriate when that ANA-specific detail is the primary question. These findings are not diagnostic without the rest of the clinical picture.

Histone Antibodies measure antibodies directed at histone proteins. This is a separate antibody result from ANA and anti-dsDNA, and a clinician can use it when reviewing an autoimmune presentation, medication exposure, symptoms, and other laboratory findings. A histone antibody result alone does not diagnose lupus or determine the cause of symptoms.

You'll receive it via email within 60 seconds of your order unless it requires additional processing (only very complex orders do).

Many general wellness test results are typically available online within 2-3 business days. However, some tests will require additional processing time. You will immediately receive an email & SMS notification when your results are available.

We do not share your results with your physician, insurance company, or any other third party.