Question:
My reumatologist sent me to get a double stranded DNA test done, the lab made a mistake and they did a single stranded DNA. When I went to my doctor and he saw the results he told me that it was positive and that the result was very indicative that I in fact have Lupus. He double checked the results and he noticed that the results were for the single stranded DNA. So he sent me again to get the double stranded DNA test done. I had a postive ANA of 180 but all the other tests were negative. I was just wondering what are my odds of having Lupus?

Answer:
Lupus is not diagnosed by blood tests alone. There needs to be at least 4 of 11 criteria. Most people with lupus have a positive ANA, but so do many healthy people. A single stranded DNA is commonly positive (even in healthy people). You can discuss further with your doctor but without telling me the symptoms you have, I can't tell you the odds of having lupus. However, with a positive ANA and positive single stranded DNA, they are low unless if you have other signs or symptoms.