Question

A physician orders tests to determine if a client has systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Which test result helps to confirm an SLE diagnosis?

-Increased total serum complement levels
-Negative antinuclear antibody test
-Negative lupus erythematosus cell test
-An above-normal anti-deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) test

Answer 1

An above-normal anti-double-stranded DNA (ds-DNA) antibody test helps confirm an SLE diagnosis, as these antibodies are highly specific to SLE and included in the classification criteria.

Step-by-step explanation:

To confirm a diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), certain blood tests are critical because they look for specific autoantibodies typical of the disease. One significant test result that helps confirm an SLE diagnosis is an above-normal anti-deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) test, especially the presence of anti-double-stranded DNA (ds-DNA) antibodies. These antibodies are highly specific to SLE and are part of the classification criteria for diagnosing the condition.

Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) are present in more than 95% of patients with SLE but are not solely diagnostic because they can be found in other conditions as well. However, a positive ANA test, in conjunction with symptoms consistent with SLE and the presence of other specific autoantibodies like anti-Sm antibodies, can support the diagnosis. In contrast, negative lupus erythematosus cell test or negative ANA test results would be less likely to support an SLE diagnosis, and increased total serum complement levels are typically not associated with active SLE.