Detection of anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) is only one of the 11 criteria given by The American Rheumatoid Association for diagnosing systemic lupus erithematosus (SLE). You should have at least 4 of these 11 criteria to confirm SLE:


1. Malar rash (facial rash in the shape of a butterfly);


2. Discoid lupus (disc-like rush with hyperkeratosis and atrophy on the skin);


3. Photosensitivity (sensitivity to light);


4. Painless ulcerations of the oral and nasal mucosa;


5. Arthritis on 2 or more peripheral joints;


6. Pleurisy or pericarditis;


7. Signs for renal failure (proteins in the urine, erythrocytes and cellular casts in the urinary sediment);


8. Neurological manifestations (psychoses and /or convulsions);


9. Hematological disturbances (anemia, leukopenia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia);


10. Immunological reports (anti-DNA-antibodies, anti-Sm-antibodies, positive lupus band test of the skin, LE-cells, false positive result for syphilis(anti-cardiolipin-antibodies) ), and


11. High titer of anti nuclear antibodies (ANA)


ANA (the antibodies) are not specific for SLE because it can be also found in: drug-induced lupus, dermatomyositis, polyarteritis nodosa, muscle inflammation (myositis), Sjogren’s syndrome, chronic liver diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, thyroid disease, etc.


You can appeal to a rheumatologist for a physical examination and to request the following tests that are more specific for SLE: anti-DNA-antibodies, anti-Sm-antibodies, positive lupus band test of the skin, LE-cells, false positive result for syphilis(anti-cardiolipin-antibodies).