How is systemic lupus erythematosus diagnosed?

There is no single test to diagnose SLE. Instead, SLE is diagnosed with a combination of subjective and objective findings in conjunction with the exclusion of other diagnoses. The subjective findings include a thorough history and physical exam performed by a qualified medical provider (often a rheumatologist). The objective findings include blood tests (e.g., complete blood count, creatinine, antibody testing, complement testing, blood clotting tests); urine tests (which help to detect kidney issues); and, when indicated, imaging tests and biopsies to check for specific tissue damage/injuries.^[1]

Once all diagnostic tests are completed, medical providers may use a validated set of criteria to determine if someone has SLE