Anti ds DNA: Hi all, a few months ago I had a rash... - LUPUS UK

LUPUS UK

32,125 members28,443 posts

Anti ds DNA

4 Replies

Hi all, a few months ago I had a rash that came up on my legs and apart from feeling a bit tired I felt fine otherwise. I went to my GP who did various blood tests, everything was normal apart from raised ANA. She then decided to test me for anti ds DNA to rule out lupus. However it came back postive at 123, whatever that means. I've since read up on lupus and it seems I have been having some of the symptoms for quite sometime such as photosensitivty for 10years (I thought I was just allergic to suncream!) back ache, hip pain, poor memory, terrible circulation with extremely cold hands and feet and knees which are permanently purple. I've been referred to a rheumatologist. Is this a high reading? Is it likely that I do have lupus even though overall I feel generally ok in myself? Could it be something else? Sorry for all the questions, it's hard when you've got to wait for an appointment not knowing if there's something wrong with me. Thanks for any help.

Read more about...
4 Replies
Bebe76 profile image
Bebe76

Hi Boojii. The anti dsDNA test is pretty specific for lupus. Not everyone with lupus has this antibody, but healthy people normally do not have it. This web site describes various blood tests for lupus including anti-dsDNA:

hopkinslupus.org/lupus-test...

Lupus symptoms can fluctuate, so although you may feel ok now, your rheumatologist will consider your history of symptoms (along with blood test results) rather than how you feel at the moment to make a diagnosis.

Bronagh2015 profile image
Bronagh2015

Hi Booji, don't apologise for all the questions that is exactly what this site is for and hopefully it will prove to be of great benefit to you. It certainly does look like you have lupus and as babe76 says things will become clearer when you see a rheumatologist. It's great you are doing ok at the minute and hopefully with the proper treatment and care that will continue.

Thank you for your replies Bronagh2015 and Bebe76. I only have one more week to wait until I see the consultant so hopefully things will be clarified then. If I do have it then I do feel lucky that the symptoms are fairly mild as reading what other people are going through and I really feel for them. Fingers crossed the symptoms don't get any worse. Do either of you have any idea what the reference values are for DS DNA at all? I can't find them on the internet.

Thanks again for your help!

Paul_Howard profile image
Paul_HowardPartnerLUPUS UK

Hi Boojii,

Would you like me to send you one of our free information packs about lupus? It will give you a bit more knowledge about the condition and how it is diagnosed. If you would like one, just send me a private message or email paul@lupusuk.org.uk with your name and address.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Newbie - Positive anti DS-DNA and high titre ANA

Dear all - I just wondered if anyone has a similar story to mine or any experience with the...

Anti ds dna

Hi all. My anti ds dna was 8 in may last year. That is classed as negative. I am planning on...

ds-Dna results

Hi, I am new to this site and thank you for letting me join 😊 I am in the process of trying to get...

Can Antibody / ds DNA/ ENA/ Lupus anticoagulant tests change from negative to positive over time?

Hi there, After seeing a rheumatologist for a follow up appointment on Monday where I was given a...

Anti Ds DNA antibodies confirmatory for Lupus?

Hi all...received a copy letter from Guys hospital about my recent blood tests... And it's the anti...