What is the definition or description of: systemic lupus erythematosus diagnostic panel?

Labs for a + ANA: The antinuclear antibody test (ANA) is the initial screening test for lupus, but since it produces a lot of false positives, follow up testing for other auto antibodies is needed. The other tests in the panel are usually more specific for lupus, but less sensitive. Panels sometimes produce dubious results, so any positive test has to be taken in context.

Group of tests: A "lupus panel" is a group of blood tests used to evaluate a person for the possibility of lupus and several other autoimmune diseases. It is important to remember that no blood test is perfect, and getting to a diagnosis is usually much more complex than drawing blood and looking at a number on the results report.