Rhyse from Canada asks: How do I get my doctor to test for Lupus?

Unfortunately, there is no “test” for lupus.  Lupus is best diagnosed by combining a good history (talking with you), a physical exam and correlating those results with blood tests.  A ANA test is a good test to rule out lupus.  If it is negative, most people do not have a lupus.  It is not a good test to diagnose lupus.  While you have to be ANA positive to have lupus, most people who are ANA positive do not have lupus.  If an ANA is positive and you have other symptoms that suggest lupus, then a referral to a rheumatologist is often in order.

Posted: April 21, 2022

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