see also:

• arthritis - clinical patterns

• the anti-double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) blood test is used to help diagnose systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a person who has a positive result on a test for anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) and has clinical signs and symptoms that suggest lupus
• the test is fairly specific for lupus, however, only 50-70% of people with lupus may be positive
• may also be used to monitor the severity of the disease in a person who has been diagnosed with lupus
• consider also testing for ENA (extractable nuclear antigen)