Lupus Question

[tahawa005]

Can a person test positive for lupus in blood work and actually not have lupus? I saw my rheumatologist last week he said I didn’t have lupus because I don’t have the signs, can that be?

[Chanpreet_Walia LUPUS UK]

Hi tahawa005,

There are certain tests and criteria that need to be met in order to make a diagnosis of lupus. To learn what they are, read our blog article here: lupusuk.org.uk/getting-diag...

[tahawa005 in reply to Chanpreet_Walia]

Thank you!!

[Beckybexx]

That’s an interesting helpful link, thank you. Am following with interest. Still awaiting my rheumatology appointment, positive ANA myself and many symptoms but GP still says not lupus as no Malar rash and not sun sensitive, not yet anyway......

[tahawa005 in reply to Beckybexx]

Same with me, I’m confused!

[Beckybexx in reply to tahawa005]

Maybe we’re evolving lupus type.... or I wondered if my Hashimoto hypothyroid could confuse results. Do you have any other autoimmune diseases?

[tahawa005 in reply to Beckybexx]

Yes I have Neuromyelitis Optical

[Bacardibabe76 in reply to Beckybexx]

Only approx 50 % of people have a malar rash and not everyone is sun sensitive. So your gp dismissing you saying that isn’t great.

Hope you have more luck with rhuematologist 😀

L x

[tahawa005 in reply to Bacardibabe76]

Thank u!!

[Kangamum]

If your only positive test was the Ana, then yes, it might well not be lupus. The Ana can be positive in a multitude of other things and indeed in healthy people, usually at low levels. If you have more lupus specific tests come back positive, like anti dsdna then it is most likely lupus, but if you don't meet the criteria you won't get a diagnosis.

[tahawa005 in reply to Kangamum]

Thank you, that was very helpful information