Many different laboratory tests are used to detect physical changes or conditions in your body that can occur with lupus. Each test result adds more information to the picture your doctor is forming of your illness. First, some basic facts about diagnosing lupus: 1  Lab work alone cannot diagnose lupus. 2  97 percent of those with lupus will have a positive antinuclear antibody test (ANA). 3  It’s common for positive lab tests to come and go over time. 4  It’s very common to get somewhat different results at different labs.
http://www.lupus.org/answers/entry/lupus-tests
1 Test results that suggest lupus can be due to other illnesses or can even be seen in healthy people. 2  A test result may be positive one time and negative another time. 3  Different laboratories may produce different test results.
http://www.lupus.org/answers/entry/diagnosing-lupus
1 Why the test is used: APLs are present in up to 60% of people with lupus. 2  Their presence can help confirm a diagnosis. 3  A positive test is also used to help identify women with lupus that have certain risks that require preventive treatment and monitoring.
http://www.webmd.com/lupus/guide/laboratory-tests-used-diagnose-evaluate-sle
Antinuclear Antibody (ANA). 1  What it is: ANA is a type of antibody directed against the cells' nuclei. 2  Why the test is used: ANA is present in nearly everybody with active lupus. 3  Limitations of the test: Although almost all people with lupus have the antibody, a positive result doesn't necessarily indicate lupus.
http://www.webmd.com/lupus/guide/laboratory-tests-used-diagnose-evaluate-sle
Antiphospholipid Antibodies (APLs). 1  What it is: APLs are a type of antibody directed against phospholipids. 2  Why the test is used: APLs are present in up to 60% of people with lupus. 3  Their presence can help confirm a diagnosis.
http://www.webmd.com/lupus/guide/laboratory-tests-used-diagnose-evaluate-sle
1 Lab work alone cannot diagnose lupus. 2  97 percent of those with lupus will have a positive antinuclear antibody test (ANA). 3  It’s common for positive lab tests to come and go over time. 4  If this happens, it’s less likely that you will receive a lupus diagnosis, although it remains possible.
http://www.lupus.org/answers/entry/lupus-tests
1 It's rarely found in people without lupus. 2  So a positive test can help confirm a lupus diagnosis. 3  Limitations of the test: Up to only 30% of people with lupus have a positive anti-Sm test. 4  So relying on an anti-Sm result alone would miss a large majority of people with lupus.
http://www.webmd.com/lupus/guide/laboratory-tests-used-diagnose-evaluate-sle
1 97 percent of those with lupus will have a positive antinuclear antibody test (ANA). 2  It’s common for positive lab tests to come and go over time. 3  If this happens, it’s less likely that you will receive a lupus diagnosis, although it remains possible.
http://www.lupus.org/answers/entry/lupus-tests
1 No single laboratory test can determine whether a person has lupus. 2  Test results that suggest lupus can be due to other illnesses or can even be seen in healthy people. 3  A test result may be positive one time and negative another time. 4  Different laboratories may produce different test results.
http://www.lupus.org/answers/entry/diagnosing-lupus
Antiphospholipid Antibodies (APLs). 1  What it is: APLs are a type of antibody directed against phospholipids. 2  Why the test is used: APLs are present in up to 60% of people with lupus. 3  Limitations of the test: APLs may also occur in people without lupus.
http://www.webmd.com/lupus/guide/laboratory-tests-used-diagnose-evaluate-sle
what test is for lupus
Antinuclear antibody test is for Lupus. Lupus is tested using the Antinuclear Antibody Test, or ANA. 