title: Systemic lupus erythematosus: diagnosis for the non-specialist.
abstract: This review discusses the pitfalls in placing too much reliance on an antinuclear antibody test result for the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus, outlines a practical approach to patients in whom this illness is suspected, and gives guidance on how to request these tests sensibly.
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology Department, Kettering General Hospital, Kettering.
authors.forename: Ernest
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Suresh
mesh_terms: D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000097:blood*; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques; D005076:Exanthema / Q000209:etiology; D005334:Fever / Q000209:etiology; D006402:Hematologic Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007159:Immunologic Tests / Q000379:methods; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D010493:Pericarditis / Q000209:etiology; D010998:Pleurisy / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear