What laboratory test is essential to assess in patients with suspected systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?

What laboratory test is essential to assess in patients with suspected systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?

• A. Blood glucose level
• B. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test
• C. Liver function test
• D. Serum cholesterol level

Answer: (B)

The assessment of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) is essential in patients suspected of having systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) because the presence of ANA is a hallmark of this autoimmune condition. The ANA test detects antibodies that are produced against components of the cell nucleus, which are commonly elevated in individuals with SLE. A positive ANA test does not confirm SLE on its own, as it can also be seen in other autoimmune diseases and in healthy individuals, but it is a critical part of the initial diagnostic workup. Due to the nature of SLE, which involves the immune system causing inflammation and damage to various tissues and organs, the ANA test serves as a crucial indicator for clinicians in making a diagnosis. If ANA is positive, additional specific antibody tests may be performed to further evaluate and support a diagnosis of SLE. Other laboratory tests mentioned, like blood glucose levels, liver function tests, and serum cholesterol levels, do not have the same direct relevance in diagnosing SLE and primarily assess different medical conditions or overall health status. Thus, the ANA test is the most pertinent laboratory evaluation in the context of suspected systemic lupus erythematosus.

The assessment of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) is essential in patients suspected of having systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) because the presence of ANA is a hallmark of this autoimmune condition. The ANA test detects antibodies that are produced against components of the cell nucleus, which are commonly elevated in individuals with SLE. A positive ANA test does not confirm SLE on its own, as it can also be seen in other autoimmune diseases and in healthy individuals, but it is a critical part of the initial diagnostic workup.

Due to the nature of SLE, which involves the immune system causing inflammation and damage to various tissues and organs, the ANA test serves as a crucial indicator for clinicians in making a diagnosis. If ANA is positive, additional specific antibody tests may be performed to further evaluate and support a diagnosis of SLE.

Other laboratory tests mentioned, like blood glucose levels, liver function tests, and serum cholesterol levels, do not have the same direct relevance in diagnosing SLE and primarily assess different medical conditions or overall health status. Thus, the ANA test is the most pertinent laboratory evaluation in the context of suspected systemic lupus erythematosus.