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.
MeSH terms
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Antibodies, Antinuclear / blood*
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Clinical Laboratory Techniques
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Exanthema / etiology
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Fever / etiology
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Hematologic Diseases / etiology
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Humans
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Immunologic Tests / methods
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Kidney Diseases / etiology
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Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / diagnosis*
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Mental Disorders / etiology
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Nervous System Diseases / etiology
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Pericarditis / etiology
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Pleurisy / etiology