Would you accept the diagnosis of SLE on the basis of an AVISE CTD panel where the results just showed a positive EC4d or BC4d, positive ANA>1/80 + one clinical criteria such as multiple tender joints but did otherwise not fulfill criteria for SLE?

The answer is "Yes and No."

@Dr. First Last: I am so glad you asked this question. I once observed a speaker give incorrect information on this topic with an answer of "yes."

The quick answer, is that the AVISE Lupus Test (which uses EC4d and BC4d) result does NOT give a "yes" or "no" answer for someo...

Great answer (as always) from Dr. @Dr. First Last. I think the diagnosis of SLE MUST be made on a clinical basis with serologies assisting in the process. Yes, a very high ANA-suppressed complement levels and a renal biopsy compatible with a lupus nephritis would make a diagnosis in the absence of a...