is there a specific test to dx you with lupus?

See the last line in my signature for a link "Lupus Criteria 4 of 11". It will best answer your question. . . . . and Lupus can take years to dx. It is not typically as simple as running some blood tests. Blessings!

I know I have started a lot of new topics, I thought that was what this was for.  I have read all of them but didn't know I was supposed to respond to them.  I'm trying to educate myself and find support at a time  really needed it.  I have 3 young kids and don't get much time on the computer as it is.  Its a little here and there.  Most of the time I read the responss and then turn around and have to get off for one reson or another.  I have appreciated every word of encouragement and advice.  Sorry if you think I didin't do a good enough job of letting everyone know, that was not my intentions.

3 young kids huh? wow. Hopfully you can get a little time to yourself. It can be overwhelming at first. So many questions not knowing what to do. It's diffinently a hard illness to get a handle on. Hang in there It will get easier. Maybe not less confusing but at least not quite so overwhelming. I don't know a lot of stuff but you are welcome to send me a private email any tie you might want to talk one on one. Just click on my name and it shows my email addy.
hugs
carol

Domanique, I can't decide if I'm the smurf, the hair raising guy or the devil in the photo above. I can be many. Anyway, no there isn't one test. Even tests for antibodies ds-dna arent definitied because several diseases and medicines cause the development of ds-dna autoantibodies and many people with lupus don't have them or they go up and down. New research is focusing on all autoimmune diseases, scleroderma, vitiligo sjogrens, lupus and more as being manifestations of a single condition "autoimmunity", and there has been positive research showing a variety of causes. A high ANA or CRP or other inflammatory markers show autoimmunity, my ANA is always high, but can also be a sign of immune problems due to chronic illness of another sort, like a festering infection, in my case TB. TB also can cause the formation of anti ds-dna to the central nervous system ( usually dx as CNS lupus) and TB has been found active in the core of sarcoid lesions. I would make sure your docs make sure you don't have any kind of other illness or disease before they label you with an autoimmune conditions, simply because they may fail to treat a treatable condition that could get worse with steroids and immunosuppressants. If they've tested you for all the likely suspects and treated any active conditions and you still show problems then they may feel better about labeling you as having an autoimmune disease. Family history also plays a role. Even so, people with lupus get sick too, and its important they take care of any other problems as well. That's why it takes so long. If you've had any problems with infections or diseases in the past, its important to mention them to your rheumie. Lots of diseases can cause autoimmune symptoms and problems that can go away with the treating of the disease. Take care.