Bloods needed by rheumatology?

[Jmcb123]

Looking for a bit of advice please, I was diagnosed with lupus in October last year and put on hydroxychloroquine. I have another appt next month and rheumatologist has said to make sure I get bloods taken at GO before next appt.....is it just general bloods I need to have... u+e’s, kidney function, liver function, inflammatory markers etc or is there more specific tests that show how lupus is affecting you? Had a positive ANA 1:1280 homogenous last blood test.... does that change with treatment or are their other markers for how active disease is or is it more just based on your symptoms and how you are feeling? Thanks x

[miccika1]

Your doc should have requested exactly what they need to take your blood test. ANA is usually not repeated and has no disease activity meaning, . your doc probably submitted request for regular blood work, like you mentioned , inflammation markers, blood cells, liver markers etc... Usually we need to take those every four months or so depending on the case by case basis

[Jmcb123 in reply to miccika1]

Thank you so much! Xxx

[Jmcb123 in reply to miccika1]

Thank you so much xx

[Krazykat26]

While u r on hydroxychloroquine u will have bloods done regularly to check that your ok with taking it.. they're to check that liver n kidneys r not affected badly by the meds. Rest assured your doc is keeping an eye on u..n when u have your rheumy appt they will have the results so if there is any problem they will know about it.

Have u been told to have your eyes tested? On hydroxy we're advised to have annual eye tests as one of the side effects of it is deterioration in the retina of the eye.

[Jmcb123 in reply to Krazykat26]

Yes, I am aware about eye tests, thank you so much for your reply x

[milkwoman]

Your doctor will specify the lab order. The tests are to check organ function (kidneys and liver), blood health (CBC), and inflammatory markers (c-reactive proteins). Since you are early in your DX, your doc may also repeat auto-antibodies. Mine also does a urinalysis to check kidney function.

I always like blood tests done prior to appointment because it allows you and your doc to have a good discussion when results are paired with how you are feeling.

[Jmcb123 in reply to milkwoman]

Thank you so much xxx

[RupertKirkham]

Your consultant should give you some paperwork or barcodes on sticky labels so that the labs know what to look for.