There is no single test to diagnose lupus. 3 types of sle examination are frequently used. These 3 forms of sle examination are: physical examination, chemical analysis, and microscopic analysis.
Physical examination is the most common type of examination. In this portion of the examination the color, clarity, and concentration of the urine are evaluated. Abnormal colors can result from disease, certain foods, or contamination, so the physical examination is generally viewed as a crude assessment. sle examination also includes specific gravity which measures the concentration of the urine sample. Specific gravity compares the concentration of urine to that of water (1.000). Usually it is better for the urine given in a sample to be more concentrated; this allows the laboratory to more accurately detect substances being excreted by your body.
The chemical lupus examination measures several features of the urine. Most laboratories use chemical test strips that change colors when dipped into the urine. Either the laboratory technician or an automated instrument will then read the reaction color for each test pad to determine the result for each test. The use of automated instruments helps to eliminate discrepancies that arise with human interpretation.
The lupus microscopic examination uses a microscope to identify and count cells, crystals, bacteria, mucous, and other substances that may be present in the urine. The amount of a substance present is reported one of two ways: as a count with the microscope strength used to view the substance [“per low power field” (LPF) or “per high power field” (HPF)], or as an approximate amount (“rare,” “few,” “moderate,” or “many”).
Health disparities in lupus examination
There are multiple and overlapping factors causing health disparities in lupus examination. These factors are commonly called “determinants of health” and include: social determinants of health, behavioral determinants of health, environmental determinant of health, and biological and genetic determinant of health.
The social determinant of health in lupus examination marks the differences in life opportunities and stresses that make some individuals and communities sicker than others. Examples include gender, socioeconomic status, employment status, educational attainment, food security status, availability of housing and transportation, racism, and health system access and quality. The behavioral and environmental determinants include patterns of overweight and obesity; exercise norms; and use of illicit drugs, tobacco, or alcohol.
An example of the biological and genetic determinants in lupus examination is family history. The examination process provides a platform for discussion about the need for and concerns about gathering information and research regarding the extent of genetic contribution to disparities, prevention of manifestation of genetic causes, and consideration of the need for tailored treatments based on genetics.
