How to Test for Lupus?
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Lupus, also called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is an autoimmune disease where the immune system creates antibodies that attack healthy tissue, causing widespread inflammation and damage. Getting an early and accurate diagnosis of lupus is crucial to prevent complications and disability. This article will cover the symptoms, diagnosis, and management of lupus disease using affordable medical laboratory testing services in India.
What is Lupus Disease?
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to attack the body's own healthy cells and tissues, including the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, heart, and lungs. This leads to inflammation, pain, and damage over time.
While the exact causes are unknown, lupus likely results from a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. People with lupus will experience periods of illness called flares, which alternate with periods of remission where symptoms improve.
Recognizing Symptoms of Lupus
Some of the most common lupus symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Joint pain or swelling
- Skin rashes like a red "butterfly" facial rash
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Headaches
- Photosensitivity or reaction to sunlight
- Hair loss
- Pale color or fingers turning blue in the cold
Because lupus symptoms come and go and mimic other conditions, it is often misdiagnosed. Getting the right tests can help accurately detect lupus.
How to Test for Lupus?
To diagnose lupus, physicians will evaluate symptoms, conduct a physical exam, and run laboratory tests like:
- Antinuclear antibody (ANA) blood test: This screens for autoantibodies attacking healthy cells, which are present in 98% of lupus patients. If positive, more specific autoantibody tests will be done.
- Complete blood count: Checks for anemia and low white blood cell or platelet counts common in lupus.
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate: This blood test checks for inflammation levels in the body.
- Kidney and liver function blood tests: Since lupus can attack these organs, these tests check how well they are functioning.
- Urine test: Checks for excess protein, blood cells, or cellular casts signaling lupus kidney disorder.
- Skin or kidney biopsy: Examines tissue sample under a microscope to assess lupus damage.
DNA tests checking for genetic markers associated with higher lupus risk may also be done. Based on the results of these medical laboratory tests, an accurate lupus diagnosis can be made.
Treating Lupus with Medications and Lifestyle Changes
While there is no lupus cure yet, various treatments can control symptoms, reduce flares, lower the chance of organ damage, and improve quality of life. Common lupus treatments include:
Medications
- Anti-inflammatories like NSAIDs to control pain and swelling
- Antimalarial such as hydroxychloroquine to treat fatigue, rashes, and inflammation
- Corticosteroids like prednisone to quickly reduce inflammation and flares
- Immunosuppressants to minimize immune system attacks on the body
- Biologics that target parts of the immune system causing lupus
Patients should work closely with their rheumatologist to find the most effective medication protocol to manage their symptoms with minimal side effects. Frequent lab testing helps assess medication efficacy and make dosage adjustments.
Alternative Therapies
Alternative therapies like acupuncture, massage, meditation, fish oil supplements may also help some lupus patients reduce pain, fatigue, and stress. Always check with your doctor before starting any new supplements.
Lifestyle Changes
Making healthy lifestyle modifications can also help minimize lupus flares:
- Get plenty of rest to fight fatigue
- Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing outdoors
- Maintain a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
- Reduce stress through yoga, mindfulness or support groups
- Stop smoking due to the increased lupus risk it poses
With the right combination of medical treatment, lab testing, and self-care, many patients can live full lives with lupus. Monitor symptoms closely and have regular check-ups to keep the disease well-controlled.
Affordable Lupus Blood Test
Getting frequent lab tests to monitor lupus and adjust treatments can become costly over time. This can deter patients from getting the testing they need.
Fortunately, in India, affordable and reliable pathological lab services are available from quality providers like healthcare nt sickcare. Their network of certified labs offers lupus patients all the blood and laboratory tests essential for their diagnosis and medical management at fair prices.
Patients can easily book discounted test packages on their user-friendly website and have samples picked up from their location by a phlebotomist. All testing is done in accredited labs using the latest diagnostic technology and equipment to ensure accuracy. Results are provided quickly through an online medical report that is easy for patients to understand and share with their doctors. By partnering with healthcare nt sickcare for your lupus diagnostic needs, you get the vital information you require to take control of your health, without the hassles.
How much does lupus blood testing cost in India?
Lupus diagnostic tests in India are available from INR 500-4000 based on what tests are required. Packages provided by healthcare nt sickcare reduce this pricing further through their volume-based discounts.
What is the most common lupus blood test ordered?
The antinuclear antibody test (ANA Test) is the most commonly ordered screening test for detecting lupus. Around 95% of people with lupus will test positive for ANAs in their blood.
How often should you get blood tests done with lupus?
People with lupus need to monitor their health closely through regular blood tests, about 1 to 2 times per year minimum if symptoms are stable, and more often during active flares or medication changes.
How to Order Lupus Blood Test Online?
Ordering lupus lab tests online with healthcare nt sickcare takes just 5 simple steps:
- Browse lupus test options and packages on healthcarentsickcare.com
- Select required lab tests and make payment to generate order
- Receive sample pickup schedule via email or SMS
- Phlebotomist will come to your address for sample collection
- Access digital report with test analysis results online
That’s all it takes to get the vital information you need to best treat your lupus!
Take Control of Your Lupus Through Affordable Testing
Don’t let worries over test costs or complexity prevent you from accessing the lupus labs services you need. healthcare nt sickcare makes it simple and affordable to detect lupus early, adjust treatments promptly, and enjoy an improved quality of life with this condition. From online orders to accurate results delivered digitally in 48 hours, they provide responsive diagnostic care for patients across India. Get the tests you require on your own terms with healthcare nt sickcare.
#lupustests #lupusdiagnosis #lupusawarenessConclusion
As a pioneering pathological lab service catering to the modern Indian patient, healthcare nt sickcare is committed to making essential diagnostics like lupus blood testing affordable and accessible across the country without compromising on quality. By helping patients take control of chronic conditions through state-of-the-art testing, they aim to fulfill their mission of providing healthcare not sickcare to all.