What is a Systemic Lupus Profile?

The Systemic Lupus Profile is an advanced autoimmune blood panel designed to support the diagnosis and monitoring of Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and related connective tissue disorders. Lupus can affect joints, skin, kidneys, blood, and internal organs, often with fluctuating symptoms.

This profile includes:

• Full Blood Count (FBC)
• ESR and CRP (inflammation)
• Uric Acid (kidney impact)
• Rheumatoid Factor (RF) and Anti-CCP
• Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA)
• Anti-double stranded DNA (Anti-dsDNA)
• Extractable Nuclear Antigen antibodies (ENA panel)
• Anti-Cardiolipin antibodies

Together, these markers help identify autoimmune activity, differentiate lupus from other rheumatological diseases, and assess complications such as antiphospholipid syndrome.

Why do I need a Systemic Lupus Profile?

Lupus presents with wide, non-specific symptoms that often mimic other conditions. Early and accurate testing is crucial to prevent organ damage, especially to the kidneys and cardiovascular system.

This test is recommended when symptoms suggest systemic autoimmune disease.

Common symptoms include:

• Persistent fatigue
• Joint pain and swelling
• Facial rash (butterfly rash)
• Sensitivity to sunlight
• Hair loss
• Mouth ulcers
• Unexplained fevers
• Chest pain on breathing
• Kidney issues or swelling in legs
• Recurrent miscarriages (antiphospholipid link)

This panel helps confirm lupus and assess disease activity during flare-ups.

Benefits of the test

1. Supports lupus diagnosis

ANA and Anti-dsDNA are key lupus markers.

2. Assesses disease activity

Anti-dsDNA levels often rise during flares.

3. Detects antiphospholipid syndrome

Anti-cardiolipin antibodies identify clotting risk.

4. Differentiates from rheumatoid arthritis

RF and Anti-CCP help rule out RA.

5. Monitors inflammation

ESR and CRP reflect active inflammation.

6. Assesses blood and immune impact

FBC reveals anemia and immune changes.

7. Evaluates kidney involvement

Uric acid and antibody patterns suggest renal risk.

8. Guides specialist management

Provides a complete autoimmune overview for rheumatologists.

Expanded benefit explanation
Lupus is a complex disease affecting multiple organs. This combined antibody and inflammation panel improves diagnostic accuracy and helps monitor flare activity to prevent long-term complications.

Step-by-step — How testing works

We offer two UK-wide testing options:

Clinic testing
• Choose your nearest UK clinic
• Attend your appointment
• Blood sample collected
• Laboratory analysis performed
• Results securely returned

Home or hotel visit (+£60)
• Phlebotomist visits your location
• Blood sample collected safely
• No travel required
• Sample transported to laboratory
• Results delivered confidentially

Both services are available UK-wide.

Your results explained

Low / negative

Autoimmune antibodies not detected and inflammation markers normal.

Typical UK reference values:
• ESR: <15 mm/hr (men), <20 mm/hr (women)
• CRP: <5 mg/L
• ANA, dsDNA, ENA, Anti-cardiolipin: Negative

Interpretation:
Lupus less likely, but clinical review may still be required.

Normal / borderline

Low-level antibodies or mild inflammation.

Interpretation:
May indicate early or inactive autoimmune activity; monitoring advised.

High / positive

Elevated lupus-specific antibodies or inflammation.

Possible findings:
• Positive ANA and Anti-dsDNA suggesting lupus
• Positive ENA indicating connective tissue disease
• Positive Anti-cardiolipin suggesting clotting risk
• Raised ESR/CRP indicating flare activity

Interpretation:
Rheumatology referral and further management recommended.