I can't help but wonder if that positive is going to turn into something... the only symptoms I have are hair shed and some fatigue... I'm confused.
I read somewhere that if you have a positive, regardless of no symptoms, then there is definitely something wrong with your immune system
Many healthy people have a low positive ANA. Usually the minimum is 1:80 but more likely much higher than that. They will do an assessment of other symptoms but fatigue and joint pain are the most prevalent.
Hi...mine is 1:80 and the rheumatologist wasn't interested at all. I would say keep an eye on it. Others have suggested getting it checked after sun exposure as if it's lupus that will make it higher. Ask ur dr to read check in 6 months
That's great. Do you seem to have any symptoms or no?
Yes I have fatigue, sore eyes, joint pain, hair loss and photosensitivity but rheumatologist just blamed it on hypermobility joints. I have asked for second opinion. Like many have said it takes a long time to get diagnosed and things evolve. So go back if u still have symptoms.
My 1st doctor said I didn't have lupus as was very rare! with test a of ANA 1:2560 and positive anti Ro, that was done by a chest consultant I saw before moving house. But I did have a MCTD, she referred me to a rheumatologist and I was told it lupus at first consultation, after history symptoms and bloods . So I've changed GP since.
With those numbers your doc didn't think you had it?!? Wowzers!
What were you symptoms??
Mine all started with chest pain that never went away after I had pneumonia, (4 years worth before taken seriously and quiting fags! ) then fatigue started affecting us, things got on top of us and I wasn't coping with work and kids and house, ( was told normal!!) but somethings I didn't know we're to do with lupus at first like headaches, migraines, photosensitive, severe reactions to insect bites, hair loss, joint issues (I have had hypo mobility since teens so often blamed too), muscle aches, dry eyes and mouth/sores, brain fog. Too name a few.
Guess I know more now since diagnosis...
I'm glad that chest consultant tested my blood or it may have taken longer! X
Your result could be a trend. When autoimmune symptoms first began for me, my ANA tests were negative. Then it went to 1:40. My symptoms accumulated and a couple of years later, it was 1:640. My diagnosis is currently Connective Tissue Disease--nothing specific. I was told that 1:40 and 1:80 are virtually considered a negative result by most doctors. Future ANA tests may tell a different story for you. Pay attention to your body and note anything unusual. Take pictures if possible. It may be nothing for you or you may start seeing more evidence of something gone awry.
All the best to you!
Hello!
What is connective tissue disease? Is that the same thing as lupus?
Connective Tissue Disease is a broad term for many autoimmune diseases that include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and many other more specific ones. None of my other blood tests have pointed to anything specific, so the broader CTD diagnosis was given. It can take years to whittle down to a firm conclusion of cause for your symptoms. So many of the symptoms cross over or multiple autoimmune diseases can exist together. Fortunately, there are medications that are effective for many CTD conditions, so mine is under control. I just make note of new symptoms that pop up and take that to my next appointment. One day the mystery condition will firmly show its ugly head! Maybe.
hi shareasmile! Can you share more about what they said when diagnosed with MCD. I was diagnosed with the same and it was explained to me that it's because I have suffer from multiple autoimmune illnesses, of which lupus is only one. But then another doc said they use this because people like us don't fit "neatly" into one or another. They say mine is a mix of SLE, PsA and Axial/Distal Spondyloarthritis. I'm pretty convinced I don't have PsA but do have flares of polymyocitis.
Hi kat! Let me first clarify that my diagnosis is CTD--connective tissue disease. Not MCTD. My first diagnosis in 2013 was sero-negative Rheumatoid Arthritis. I had many of the symptoms associated with RA, but all blood tests came back negative, including my ANA. Once I had a strongly positive ANA test with speckled and homogenous patterns, my Rheumy decided that my condition was more likely to be lupus or dermatomyositis or synthetase syndrome (I know nothing about that one). Since no other blood tests have shown a positive result, she settled on the very general "Connective Tissue Disease". I believe that MCTD has a blood result that makes it more definitive. I don't remember which one it is though.
My specialist looks at the ANA and if also presenting with symptoms then she feels that something will brew within the next two years - or not. Most here dont really call anything on ANA unless there are symptoms.
Btw guys I was getting over a pretty bad virus when they drew my blood... could this be why my ANA was higher?
Hi
Ana 1:40 isn't classed as a positive result for auto immune, but I have found it can go up and down and different labs use different kits and get different results.
You can be diagnosed without a positive Ana but you must have another antibody test that is positive, like dsdna, or anti sm, rnp and there are others. Problem
Is most don't test for them if it's a negative result so seeing a rheumatologist is what you need to do. Not a gp, but. It sure a gp will refer you with a negative Ana.
All the best
L
I didn't even know 1:40 was considered negative!
Well my GP said he's positive it's nothing...
I would like to see a rheumatologist but my insurance only allows that of my GP refers me.
We'll see...
Thanks!! ❤
I would ask to recheck it in a few months.
Like I said it can go up and down. I've had different results from two different labs with blood drawn at the same time. Guys hospital had my result as negative (a first for me) and Other lab had me at 1:320.
I would keep a diary of all the small things and illnesses that you may get.
Hope all goes well
X
What were your symptoms? Just curious...
Same question, but my score is 1:80 and the test was for Sjorgrens. Doc not worried, but I wonder if this is the beginning of a bad journey? Am very careful with diet and find eating less animal product helps with foggy mind and stiffness. Would love to have this worry addressed.
Hi Hidden ,
As other members of this community have already mentioned, about 5-10% of healthy people can test positive for ANA. Since ANA can also be observed in some other autoimmune conditions too, it is not sufficient to confirm a diagnosis of lupus.
Have you had any other tests for lupus or related conditions? Has your doctor given an opinion about what they think the cause of your symptoms could be if not autoimmune?
If you would like more information about lupus and how it is diagnosed, you can request or download one of our free packs at lupusuk.org.uk/request-info...
Hi, I am very confused my old G.P thought had lupus, he is now retired and I have a new one, who I find rather intimidating.
My Ana is 1:640 all other auto immune and skin biopsys are negative so do I have lupus or not.
Hi,I read somewhere recently in the reply there was the comment "100% of people with lupus have allergies" do you think this is true?
Does everyone diagnosed get put on some kind of treatment? 
Ongoing symptoms, Weak positive ANA, waiting results for ds dna and rhf, what does it mean and how long till test results? 
