4 SPECIALIZED LAB TESTS
TO CONFIRM a
LUPUS DIAGNOSIS

• The Reichlin Profile, also known as the Lupus Profile, is the most definitive diagnostic set of 4 lab tests, used by most physicians in
  the diagnosis of lupus.
  

• These following 4 Laboratory Tests comprise what is known as
  the Lupus Profile.

• This test detects a group of antibodies directed against components of the cell nucleus, such as DNA and Extractable Nuclear Antigens (ENAs e.g. Ro, La, Sm and RNP).
  
• The different types of antibodies can be identified individually by other tests.
  
• Antinuclear antibodies -ANAs- are present in many rheumatic diseases, and though often not specific for any single disease, they are present in over 95% of SLE patients.
  
• The most common pattern is homogeneous and diffuse ( the pattern resulting in the LE cell).
  
• A Systemic Lupus Dx with ANA negative is Possible.
  

• Anti-double strand DNA at a titer of 1:10 or more strongly suggests SLE.
  

• Anti-single strand DNA is seen in SLE as well as in other autoimmune diseases such as RA and scleroderma.
  
• Other antibodies such as anti-Ro, anti-Sm and anti-La may also be present.
  

• Precipitating antibodies or ENAs have definitive diagnostic information.
  
• Precipitating antibodies to soluble tissue antigens are present in diverse rheumatic diseases with anti-Sm being highly specific for SLE.
  
• Anti-nRNP (nuclear ribonucleo-protein) is present in SLE and overlap syndromes with scleroderma and polymyositis.
  
• Anti-Ro and anti-La are associated with SLE and Sjogrens syndrome.
  

• Anti-P is a new specificity related to psychosis in SLE patients as well as patients with nephritis and unexplained hepatitis.