How can my previous positive tests come back negative after a repeat?

[nannytutu]

I had a repeat test (as requested after 6mths by lab) for my POSITIVE ANA - POSITIVE HEP 2 CELLS (which included a pattern) ..borderline positive dsDNA abs....only to have the test come back COMPLETELY NEGATIVE!!! Does anyone know if this is possible?

[Purpletop]

Yes, it is, disease activity is up and down so the blood test results will also fluctuate. It doesn't mean that the disease has gone away, only that it is less active at the moment. You may still have symptoms even with normal blood results.

[Jarrod]

someone should actually tell the doctors that information! They seem to think the test results are definitive answers....

[emilyb]

Yes I had this problem many years ago and because of it I went onto miscarry my 5th baby when really there was no need for it :(((

[nannytutu]

Thanks for your replies...sorry to hear your sad news emilyb - I was gearing myself up to the fact that I may have Lupus, so has that gone now? I have also just had an ANCA test (done at the same time as the repeat ANA) which came back positive for p-ANCA, and the lab have suggested that my GP should check my renal function. So would you/should I still ask my GP to send me to a rheumatologist even though my ANA at the moment is negative?

[Purpletop in reply to nannytutu]

Yes, do, positive p anca may mean glomerulonephritis (which is also why lab suggested kidney function) and that could be caused by lupus.

[Nightjar]

I have, over the years, tested pos., then neg., then pos., neg., pos... and so it goes on. Seems to have nothing to do with whether my lupus is active or not. I have had a neg. test just before a major flare and had pos. test when feeling well ..lupus is a mystery!! xxx

[scoobydoo1]

like I posted previously, the test is useless, causes problems and makes health professionals in decisive in the care given.

I would propose they get rid of it altogether. its like the psa test can have negative even though have prostate cancer!!!!

[nannytutu]

How and what would you feel like with a major flare?