A New, More Accurate Diagnostic Test for Lupus
It is widely known that Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (lupus) is difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to those of other health conditions. In order for a patient to be diagnosed with lupus, at least four of the eleven criteria - combination of symptoms, medical history and diagnostic tests - must be met. There is not a single laboratory test that can confirm a lupus diagnosis. As with many lab tests, some results may bring about "false positives," such as those related to entirely different health conditions or induced by certain drugs.
There is some encouraging news in the area of diagnostic tests for lupus.
 Exagen Diagnostics, Inc., a molecular diagnostics laboratory that develops and markets proprietary tests for rheumatologists and gastroenterologists, announced last week the launch of Avise SLE, which aids in the diagnosis of lupus. It is a 5-marker panel designed to rule-in SLE and rule-out other rheumatic diseases to help establish the most accurate SLE diagnosis. With a single blood draw, the test yields 5 individual markers and uses technology that has a high percentage of sensitivity and specificity for other diseases, making it easier to rule out conditions other than lupus.
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SAVE THE DATE. . .
2012 Spring Lupus Mini-Conference "Outlook for Lupus Treatment and Research"
Saturday, April 28, 2012 | 11am-4pm | Kaiser Redwood City (CEU credits for RNs available)
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REGISTER NOW
FOR THE 18TH ANNUAL
5K RUN AND WALK FOR LUPUS
Sunday, June 10, 2012 | West Valley College, Saratoga
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You asked for it, you've got it!
(Overwhelming choice based on our recent poll)
LFNC'S CHARITY CAR DRAWING
Win this 2012 Honda Civic Sedan LX plus a chance to win early-bird drawing
prize of a 7-day Cruise to Mexico or the Caribbean on Holland America Line! See DETAILS
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LUPUS FOUNDATION OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
