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ANA Comprehensive test....need help with confusion

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Posted 3/19/2012 3:08 PM (GMT -8)
Hi All: Today I received a call from my doctor saying I had a Positive/abnormal on my ANA test. Then she said she was re-testing using the Comprehensive ANA to determine what kind of autoimmune disease I have. I was always under the impression that Lupus could not be diagnosed with lab results only, understandably. What can I expect from this ANA Comprehensive test and is it reliable. All new to this so any info is much appreciated. Thank you in advance!
Posted 3/19/2012 4:24 PM (GMT -8)
The Comprehensive test does a series of more detail testing. My testing involved 11 different types of sub-testing. These vary by doctor. They will probably do a DNA test also.
The doctor will also be looking at your symptoms too.
Posted 3/19/2012 5:30 PM (GMT -8)
Thank you Joy. I was tested because of my list of symptoms. Can the Comprehensive test actually give you a "defininte" for Lupus by the way the test is done..or is it simply ruling out other autoimmue diseases? I always understood that a diagnosis is not easy.  Thanks for replying.
Posted 3/19/2012 6:20 PM (GMT -8)
The comprehensive test is basically to rule out out diseases -- diagnosing Lupus means looking at symptoms & bloodwork, then trying to eliminate until Lupus is the only dx left on the table. Fun, huh?
Posted 3/19/2012 6:57 PM (GMT -8)
Thank you, just as I expected. From what I have read, I didn't think it would be easy. Yes..lots of fun. Ha Lynwood, what other signs in bloodwork would point to Lupus besides the ANA? Thanks
Posted 3/19/2012 7:02 PM (GMT -8)
The pattern of the ANA is important, and I don't remember the details of all the tests (I was diagnosed 10 yrs ago) but I'd refer to either www.lupus.org or the CDC website for trustworthy information.

Remember that overall the diagnosis may be in limbo for a while (several years for some people) but a good rheumy will be treating your symptoms in the meantime. Sometimes dx is made based on how you do or don't respond to lupus meds!

It's a crazy thing.
Posted 3/20/2012 8:58 AM (GMT -8)
I understand..thank you so much. I will check out the web sites. Take care and thanks again for your help!
Posted 3/20/2012 11:02 AM (GMT -8)
Hope to be back here often I have signed up after reading for many weeks the questions of the people. Alot of Hopelessness alot of good idea's alot of great links.
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