What does it mean when ANA is positive?

In most cases, a positive ANA test indicates that your immune system has launched a misdirected attack on your own tissue — in other words, an autoimmune reaction. But some people have positive ANA tests even when they’re healthy.

What diseases can cause a positive ANA?

Conditions that usually cause a positive ANA test include:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus.
• Sjögren’s syndrome — a disease that causes dry eyes and mouth.
• Scleroderma — a connective tissue disease.
• Rheumatoid arthritis — this causes joint damage, pain, and swelling.
• Polymyositis — a disease that causes muscle weakness.

What level of ANA is positive?

ANA test results are most often reported in 2 parts: the level or titer and the pattern. Titres are reported in ratios, most often 1:40, 1:80, 1:160, 1:320, and 1:640. Some, but not all labs will report a titre above 1:160 as positive.

Is it common to have a positive ANA?

Ten to fifteen percent of adults with no evidence of disease have a positive ANA. This means that there are more healthy people with positive ANAs out there than lupus patients with the same.

Can positive ANA go away?

The new criteria require that the test for antinuclear antibody (ANA) must be positive, at least once, but not necessarily at the time of the diagnosis decision because an ANA can become negative with treatment or remission.

Can vitamin D deficiency cause positive ANA?

Elevated ANA is sometimes found in healthy individuals, and has been consistently associated with female sex and older age (12-14). ANA positivity has been associated with vitamin D deficiency in autoimmune disease patients (15-17), but little is known about vitamin D and ANA in healthy populations.

Should I be worried about a positive ANA test?

So if you have a positive ANA, don’t panic. The next step is to see a rheumatologist who will determine if additional testing is needed and who will make sure you will get the best care for your particular situation.

Can stress cause positive ANA?

Signs of stress-related ANA reactivity were seen among connective tissue disease (CTD) patients (including patients with systemic lupus erythematosus; mixed CTD; calcinosis, Reynaud’s phenomenon, esophageal motility disorders, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia; scleroderma; and Sjögren’s syndrome): 11% showed stress- …

What happens after a positive ANA test?

Positive diagnosis A positive result on an ANA test may help a doctor to diagnose an autoimmune disorder. However, if after a positive result neither the person nor the doctor recognizes any signs or symptoms, the medical team may disregard the result.

Can a positive ANA go away?

Can ANA positive be cured?

There is currently no cure for lupus. Drug treatments may include painkillers called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

What is the treatment for positive ANA?

Drug treatments may include painkillers called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Examples of these include ibuprofen and naproxen. Other medications that can help manage lupus symptoms include: hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine, for reducing inflammation.

What does a positive antinuclear antibody mean?

A positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test result means that autoantibodies are present. In a person with signs and symptoms, this suggests the presence of an autoimmune disease, but further evaluation is required to assist in making a final diagnosis.

What to do after positive ANA test?

Talk with your doctor about what your levels mean and how your symptoms may be explained by the presence of ANA. If your ANA test comes back positive, your doctor will need to run more tests in order to help determine if the results are related to a specific condition. The ANA test is especially helpful in diagnosing lupus.

What is the normal range for Ana titer?

ANA is reported as a “titer”. Low titers are in the range of 1:40 to 1:60. A positive ANA test is of much more importance if you also have antibodies against the double-stranded form of DNA.

What causes elevated Ana titer?

The normal titer of antinuclear antibody is 1:40; higher titers of this autoantibody can indicate that a person is affected by an autoimmune diseases. Some of the conditions that can cause a high ANA titer include Lupus, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis (WebMD).