Blood test for Lupus?

Hi there,

I had quite a few blood tests yesterday (9 tubes, ah!) in attempt to correlate all of my symptoms with a diagnosis. Among them, I had a Lupus (which is suspected) Panel taken, as well as an Arthritis (rheumatoid is suspected) Panel.

My main question is, how long does it generally take to get such test results back? I'm trying to be very patient (and it's only been 1 day, ha!), but of course after feeling so bad for so long, I just want an answer. I'm 21 and I feel like I'm 90 when I try to get out of bed in the morning!

Also, anyone diagnosed with each condition, would you be will to give me some firsthand insight?

Thank you very much!

It mainly depends on the lab. They basically have to analyze your DNA and look for certain markers: systemic lupus erythematosis (anti-dsDNA/Smith antibodies) and rheumatoid arthritis(HLA's-DR4 & B27). It's usually b/w 1-2 weeks. When did your physician schedule your next appointment...thats usually an indicator of when he expects to have your results in.

Check the links below for info about SLE and rheumatoid arthritis.

My daughter was diaganosed with Lupus when she was 16. It depends on your lab on how long the blood test results will take. I always told my daughter " Don't worry till you have to worry ." She is now 37 years old, married and has 2 perfectly fine and beautiful children. Having Lupus is not the end of the world. There are many other worse diseases out there. Years ago Lupus was a death sentence, but not now. With the drugs they have now you can and probably live to a ripe old age like anyone else. My only suggestion is get a " Top Notch " doctor who specializes in Lupus patients.
You can just have Rheumatoid Arthritis too. Don't worry. Let me know and write back to me when the results come back. There is no need to go into Lupus deeply now cause it might not be the case.

It could take a week or more for the results. These are not your most common lab tests.

I have systemic lupus with organ involvement. RA, by the way is another autoimmune disorder. The autoimmunes often come in overlap with one another.

Feel free to email me.