What does antinuclear factor positive mean?
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 is ANA by immunofluorescence?
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are a group of auto-antibodies produced by a person’s immune system when it fails to adequately distinguish between “self” and “non-self.” The ANA test detects these auto-antibodies in the blood.
What do the ANA patterns mean?
The pattern of the ANA test can give information about the type of autoimmune disease present and the appropriate treatment program. A homogenous (diffuse) pattern appears as total nuclear fluorescence and is common in people with systemic lupus.
What is a normal ANA pattern?
ANAs can be found in approximately 5% of the normal population, usually in low titers (low levels). These people usually have no disease. Titers of 1:80 or lower are less likely to be significant. (ANA titers of less than or equal to 1:40 are considered negative.)
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 ANA positive be cured?
There is currently no cure for lupus. Drug treatments may include painkillers called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
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 can cause ANA positive?
However, there are many illnesses and conditions associated with a positive ANA, including rheumatoid arthritis; Sjogren’s syndrome, scleroderma , and lupus, as well as infectious diseases such as mononucleosis, subacute bacterial endocarditis, and autoimmune thyroid and liver disease and certain medications can cause a positive ANA.
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).
What is the normal range for an 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.
