Oct 12, 2024
Many patients worry that a positive ANA means they have lupus. While some do have systemic lupus erythematosus, many others might have a different condition or even no condition at all. In fact, about 30% of healthy people randomly tested can also have a positive ANA, and most of them don’t have any related health issues—especially if their ANA levels are low (like 1:40 or 1:80).
It’s important to note that the number alone doesn’t tell the whole story. A small percentage of patients with serious lupus might have low ANA levels, or even less commonly their ANA test could even be negative.
There are more specific antibody tests that can be ordered that may help clarify the diagnosis. Keep in mind that some conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis may only have the positive ana, and not have any other specific autoantibodies.
A positive ANA can be linked to several other conditions, including:
- Mixed connective tissue disease
- Scleroderma
- Drug-induced lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sjogren’s syndrome
- Polymyositis
- Dermatomyositis
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Primary biliary cirrhosis
- Grave’s disease
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- Hepatitis B and C
- HIV
- Interstitial pulmonary fibrosis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
To figure out if you have any of these conditions, your healthcare provider will conduct a thorough evaluation. This includes your medical history, a physical exam, lab tests, and sometimes specialized imaging or tissue biopsies.
Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any health condition or disease. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.