ANA pattern

[shareasmile]

I had a recent ANA test that came back 1:640. If I am reading the results correctly, both homogeneous and speckled patterns were found. Is it possible to have both? And if so, what does that mean exactly?

[earthwitch]

yes it is possible to have both (I know I do as well). Difficult to tell what it means as it really isn't indicative on its own of anything specific - the test needs to be read along with a doctors clinical assessment, and usually depending on what comes up in the ANA, doing some of the other antibody tests as well - which may have already been done along with the ANA. 1:640 is a fairly positive result (i.e. indicates something going on), though it is possible to have a positive ANA and not have any disease process. You probably need to talk to your rheumatologist about this and see what they think it means in your case, with your particular symptom picture and history.

have a read of this labtestsonline.org.uk/under... but note these paragraphs: "It is important to understand that positive ANA results may be found in healthy people without autoimmune disease, elderly and pregnant people especially may have positive ANA results, but no autoimmune disease, Therefore positive ANA results in elderly and pregnant patient must be interpreted cautiously making use of all of the clinical information about the patient. " and "....but a doctor needs to rely on clinical symptoms and history for diagnosis."

[shareasmile in reply to earthwitch]

Thank you earthwitch. My initial result 3 years ago was 1:80, homogenous, which I know is basically considered a negative result. With clinical findings included, my diagnosis has been seronegative RD. Now my ANA is significantly raised with 2 patterns and it makes me wonder about drug induced SLE. All other facets of the test were negative. My condition is well under control with Enbrel, but this autoimmune mystery is so perplexing. I sure wish--along with all sufferers! --that a clear answer would be possible!