Lupus is a challenging disease to diagnose because its symptoms can be vague and similar to other conditions. Doctors use a combination of your medical history, physical exams, and lab tests to diagnose lupus. First, they will ask about your symptoms and family medical history. Common symptoms of lupus include rashes, especially a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose, joint pain, fatigue, and sensitivity to sunlight. If lupus is suspected, doctors will order several lab tests to confirm the diagnosis. These tests include Antinuclear Antibody (ANA), Antiphospholipid Antibodies (APLs), Anti-Sm, Anti-dsDNA, Anti-Ro(SSA) and Anti-La(SSB), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Complement levels, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), Complete Blood Cell Count (CBC), and a Chemistry Panel. Additionally, doctors may use urine tests to check for kidney involvement, which is common in lupus patients. The Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) test measures how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood. By combining the results of these tests with your symptoms and medical history, doctors can diagnose lupus and monitor its progression and response to treatment.