gela,
The first test that is usually run is the ANA. Doctors run this when you exhibit symptoms of an autoimmune disease. It's usually used as a first step towards diagnosis or ruling out. Unfortunately an ANA test is not really reliable so doctors don't hold much into the results. Doesn't make sense does it? Why order the test if it isn't a reliable test.
According to Lupus Foundation these are the tests that are normally run in the diagnosis of Lupus:
- Anti-nuclear antibody test (ANA) to determine if autoantibodies to cell nuclei are present in the blood
- Anti-DNA antibody test to determine if there are antibodies to the genetic material in the cell
- Anti-Sm antibody test to determine if there are antibodies to Sm, which is a ribonucleoprotein found in the cell nucleus
- Serum (blood) complement test to examine the total level of a group of proteins which can be consumed in immune reactions
- Complement proteins C3 and C4 test to examine specific levels
Here's the link where I got this information and what the test results mean as well as other helpful lupus info. http://www.lupus.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/new_aboutdiagnosis.aspx?a=364&z=15&page=1
As for rashes ... I get small hives over all of my body, and also hives that are similar to shingles and run the same way shingles do, as well as a reddish mask over my nose, cheeks and forehead.
I hope this helps.
[Post modified to attempt to correct the the link. I guess you need to copy the link info and insert it into your browser as I couldn't get it to work either. Sorry Gidget . . . I was trying to help. (Always Rosie)]
Post Edited By Moderator (AlwaysRosie) : 12/11/2007 6:56:13 PM (GMT-7)