ANA test results

[Louisa65]

I have been told for about 18 months now I have SLE, but I am confused I think I was told the ANA for a normal person should be between 0 - 9. Mine is currently 20, the lowest it's been is 17 and the highest 25. My consultanct said it does excite him till it reaches 100. Can anyone explain this all to me.

Thank you

Kind regards

Louisa

[PMRpro]

Many healthy people have a positive ANA result, especially women over 65 because the antibodies they are measuring increase with age anyway and some medications will cause them to form. 

These are written in ordinary English and explains quite a bit:

rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Pat...

healthline.com/health/antin...

[Louisa65 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you going to read now.

[Bebe76]

A diagnosis (or exclusion) of lupus should not be based on ANA alone as it is not specific for lupus.  Has your doctor run tests for dsDNA antibodies and other auto antibodies (sometimes referred to as the 'lupus panel' tests). 

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi Louisa65,

Unfortunately I'm not able to comment on blood test results because we are not medically trained at LUPUS UK and these can vary between lab tests.

Have you been started on treatment for SLE? Was it your GP who made the diagnosis, or a rheumatologist?

If you would like more information about lupus, we have a free pack which you can request or download from our website at lupusuk.org.uk/request-info...

[Louisa65]

Hi all

Thank you for your replies yes I have had all the blood tests and have been diagnosed by a rheumatologist, I have tried Hydroxycloroquine but had visual problems after 6 weeks, had several steroid injections. I am currently taking no medication for my SLE at present. The rheumatologist just seemed interested in this figure, it's good news dropped 25 to 20. Just wondered if this is ok as GP said should be 0-9.

Kind regards

Louisa X

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to Louisa65]

I'm afraid that we are not trained medical professionals here, so we cannot comment about whether your test results are OK or not. Really you will need to discuss this with your doctor. If you feel that your lupus is not well controlled and that you need treatment, there are other options available. You may wish to discuss this with them.