A patient with polyarthralgia with joint swelling and pain is being evaluated for SLE.The nurse knows that which of the following serum test results is the most specific for SLE?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of anti-Smith antibody is the most specific serum test for SLE. While antinuclear antibodies (B) are commonly present in SLE, they can also be present in other autoimmune diseases, as well as in healthy individuals. Rheumatoid factor (A) is not specific to SLE and can be present in other rheumatic diseases. Lupus erythematosus cells (D) were historically used for diagnosis but are not as specific as the anti-Smith antibody test.

A Patient with Polyarthralgia with Joint Swelling and Pain Is