How effective is a cytokine panel in determining whether you have an autoimmune disease like lupus?

Not quite.: Clinical exam and history, coupled with much less expensive tests ie. Reflex ANA reporting if positive ds-dna, sm and anti-chromatin abs. If positive, a C2 and C4 may give i=an idea regarding activity, coupled with metabolic anel and cbc. I have never found use for this test. If positive for sle, see someone who practicies rheumatology.

Cytokine panel: Not effective as far as as determining if one has autoimmune disease.