Introduction to

Laboratory
Investigations in SLE
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder that
affects multiple organ systems. Careful laboratory testing is essential
for diagnosis, monitoring disease activity, and guiding treatment. This
presentation will explore key laboratory investigations and their
clinical significance in SLE.

by Monil Shah
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
1 Anemia
Commonly seen in SLE due to
chronic inflammation and
autoimmune destruction of red
blood cells.
2 Leukopenia
Decreased white blood cell count,
which increases infection risk in
SLE patients.

3 Thrombocytopenia
Low platelet count, leading to increased bleeding and bruising.
Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Test
What it Measures Clinical Significance Interpretation

The ANA test detects A positive ANA result is a key ANA titers provide
antibodies that bind to diagnostic criterion for SLE, information about disease
various nuclear but it may also be seen in activity and can be used to
components, a hallmark of other autoimmune diseases. monitor treatment
autoimmune disorders like response.
SLE.
Anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA)
Antibody
Specificity
Anti-dsDNA antibodies are highly specific
for SLE and are not typically found in other
autoimmune disorders.
Prognostic Value
High anti-dsDNA titers are associated with
an increased risk of developing kidney
disease in SLE.
Disease Activity
Levels of anti-dsDNA antibodies correlate
with SLE disease activity and can be used to
monitor flares.
Treatment Guide
Anti-dsDNA levels help guide
immunosuppressive therapy and assess
response to treatment.
Complement Levels (C3, C4)
C3 and C4 Consumption
In active SLE, complement proteins are consumed due to immune
complex formation, leading to low C3 and C4 levels.

Flare Prediction
Decreasing C3 and C4 levels can signal an impending SLE flare, allowing
for early intervention.

Disease Monitoring
Monitoring C3 and C4 levels helps track disease activity and assess the
effectiveness of treatment.
Urinalysis and Kidney Function Tests
Proteinuria Hematuria Kidney Function

Elevated protein levels in the
urine indicate kidney
involvement in SLE, a
serious complication known
as lupus nephritis.
The presence of red blood Tests like serum creatinine
cells in the urine can also and estimated glomerular
signify kidney inflammation filtration rate (eGFR) assess
and damage. overall kidney function.
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

Inflammation Disease Activity Infection Risk

Both ESR and CRP are Elevations in ESR and CRP can Persistently high ESR and CRP
markers of systemic indicate flares in SLE and may also signal an increased
inflammation, which is guide treatment decisions. risk of infections in SLE
characteristic of active SLE. patients.
Interpretation of Expected Results
and Clinical Correlation
1 Diagnostic Testing
Initial lab tests help establish the diagnosis of SLE based on characteristic
patterns and abnormalities.

2 Disease Monitoring
Ongoing lab monitoring tracks disease activity, identifies flares, and
guides adjustments to treatment.

3 Complication Screening
Lab tests also assess for potential organ involvement and complications
associated with SLE.