Tests
Diagnosis is made by the clinical evaluation of physical signs and symptoms and from x-rays. The following laboratory tests are also useful in the diagnosis of SLE:
Cryoglobulin – frequnetly positive; cryoglobulins are abnormal proteins in the blood that will precipitate when the body temperature drops below normal, causing blockage of the blood vessels. The test involves collecting blood and cooling it in the laboratory, then checking for the presence of the precipitate.
Complement 3 (C-3) – often decreased; C-3 is one of nine major complement proteins associated with some diseases. Decreased amounts may be associated with lupus, gram-negative septicemia, and shock, as well as malaria.
This article was last reviewed on February 9, 2007.
This article was last modified on April 8, 2009.
The review date indicates when the article was last reviewed from beginning to end to ensure that it reflects the most current science. A review may not require any modifications to the article, so the two dates may not always agree.
The modified date indicates that one or more changes were made to the article. Such changes may or may not result from a full review of the article, so the two dates may not always agree.
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