ANA positive?

[Ratana21]

A little confused about my ANA test.  Result says positive.  Flag for abnormal.  Reference interval - negative?  Does tgis mean it's positive?  BC my dr didn't explain and she just kind of brushed me off...again.  Rashes still pop up randomly every day.  And tired.  So tired of being tired.  : (

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi Ratana21,

I'm afraid we are not medically trained here so we cannot advise you about your blood tests results. Have you thought anymore about changing GP? It might help to see somebody who can explain these results properly to you and request any relevant follow-up (if required).

[Purpletop]

A positive ANA is abnormal. ANA means that the body has created an antibody against its own cells' nuclei - in a normal immune system only antibodies against foreign invaders are created, not against self. So the presence of those antibodies in the blood is suspect.

I'm not sure what the reference interval is but with a positive (abnormal) ANA you should push for further autoimmune investigations, particularly with your symptoms. 

Your GP might not know the meaning of the result but doesn't want to admit to it to you. You can politely say that you're concerned about it, especially given your rashes etc and that you'd like to be referred to a rheumatologist for further investigations. 

If she refuses, insist (politely) that you e been ill for far too long and you'd really like her help in getting to the bottom of all these. If she's still trying to dissuade you, stay firm and repeat like a mantra "I'm feeling too ill to let this go on any longer, it's best if I see a specialist and if that specialist says there's nothing to worry about then we can discuss alternatives." Or something to that effect.

Don't let yourself be fobbed off again - it's your health, no one knows better than you how you feel, certainly no GP who doesn't have what you have.

[vaderviper]

Ratana21............an ANA is not always the answer. People can have a positive ANA and not have any auto immune disorder and vice versa. A negative ANA doe not mean however that you  do not have Lupus. You need to have a DS-DNA blood test specific foe Lupus. 2% of the population can run a negative ANA and yet have Lupus. You should also be checked for other auto-immune disorders.

Please contact me if you need further help.

Dr. S.  (in the USA)