To diagnose lupus, doctors may use a combination of physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests. The most common diagnostic test for lupus is blood tests, which include antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti-DNA antibody, and anti-Smith antibody tests. These tests help identify autoimmune activity in the body and may be used to confirm a diagnosis of lupus. Other tests such as a skin biopsy, urine test, or imaging tests like X-rays or MRI may also be performed to detect the presence of inflammation or damage in organs affected by lupus. However, it's worth noting that lupus can be challenging to diagnose, and it may require several tests over time to confirm a diagnosis.
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