is it possible to have lupus but not have proper positive test results?

[dizzdora]

[Hidden]

If you are referring to specifically to ANA test results …

ANA is positive in many conditions. The results of the ANA test have to be interpreted in connection with of the patient’s medical history and their clinical symptoms.

A positive ANA alone is never enough to diagnose SLE. On the other hand, a negative ANA argues against SLE but does not rule out the disease completely.

A negative ANA test is strong evidence against SLE; but ANA-negative lupus can be found in patients who have anti-Ro (SSA) or antiphospholipid antibodies.

If the patient has negative ANA, negative anti-Ro (SSA), and negative antiphospholipid antibodies it then becomes very strong evidence against SLE.

To make a diagnosis of SLE, an individual must show clinical evidence of a multi-system disease (abnormalities in several different organ systems / several of multiple criteria must be evident).

In answer to your question … it is possible (as in the case of a patient with negative ANA with positive anti-Ro(SSA) or positive antiphospholipid antibodies) but not probable (somewhat rare).

[Hidden]

Perhaps of some use to those yet to be diagnosed:

Autoimmune Disease Disorder Self Check List

thyroid-info.com/articles/a...

Signs Symptoms of Lupus Self Check List:

lupus.org/newsite/pages/lup...

[Looby in reply to Hidden]

Thanks very much for that link Nouska - it will help a lot of us who are still not 100% sure...... I am seeing an auto-immune Specialist soon, and so the checklist will be helpful. I am SLE positive, and have about 70% of the other factors - thankfully, not all at the same time!

[Ani-]

Hi,

Yes, my rheumatologist has diagnosed me with lupus spectrum disorder even though I was ANA negative at the time of testing. He diagnosed me on account of many symptoms and other factors.

Best regards

Ani x

[Samaka in reply to Ani-]

Hi Ani,

how he diagnosed you? you did cappillaroscope?

All the tests are negative?

[nanny4]

Hi , my daughter was dxd without positive bloods but based on her many many symptoms, now that dxs is being questioned and in her case it is thought that she possibly has something like multiple sclerosis and discoid lupus,or another skin disorder,of unknown origin.

She has been told that as her bloods show nothing to do with lupus that she may never get a proper dxs,or sometime in the future she could have positive bloods,so who knows.

I know I am not much help but thought I would let you know my daughters experience.

Sandy.

[janiceray]

I was diagnosed on the Spectrum,the other bloods tests were not available when I was 1st diagnosed and that was 23 yrs ago.

[tintin49]

i was dx thre months ago with relatively mild symptoms now after 3 months on anti malarial meds i def have it with a vegenance i am now more sick than i have ever been