Positive ANA

Welcome to the Positive ANA Decision Guide.

This decision guide is designed for persons with a positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) who would like to find out more about this test and what the test result may mean.

The goal of this guide is to provide information while awaiting evaluation with your doctor, or for additional information after you have seen him or her. Please keep in mind that this guide is not intended to replace a face-to-face evaluation with your doctor. The diagnoses provided are among the most common that could explain your test results, but the list is not exhaustive and there are many other possibilities. In addition, more than one condition may be present at the same time.

Would you like more information about the ANA test in general, or would you rather proceed directly to what your ANA may mean?

I'd first rather get more general information about the ANA.

I'd like to learn more specific information about my ANA now.

Nearly all people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have a positive (abnormal) ANA -- that is, the sensitivity of the ANA for SLE is quite high. That also means that it is very rare to have lupus with a negative (normal) ANA. If you or your doctors are concerned you may have SLE, a negative ANA should be quite reassuring. However, there are other arthritic, autoimmune and rheumatic conditions that have a negative ANA.

Not everyone with a positive ANA has a disease. In fact, specificity is low, meaning that many healthy people have a positive result.

Here is a partial list of common rheumatic and non-rheumatic diseases associated with a positive ANA. Because many of these conditions are relatively rare, many -- perhaps most-people with a positive ANA have none of them and have no disease or condition related to this test result.

ANA in rheumatic disease: SLE , drug-induced lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome, mixed connective tissue disease, progressive systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)

ANA in non-rheumatic disease: autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, Graves' disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hepatitis C, HIV infection

Finally, some specific details about the ANA are important. The ANA is reported as a ratio, as in 1:80 or 1:640. In general, the more abnormal result, (that is, the higher the second number), the more likely it is to be meaningful; however, exceptions are common. In addition, there are several types of ANAs and, when necessary, additional testing can identify the specific type of ANA (also called subtype). Among the most helpful are the anti-Sm and anti-ds-DNA, because when positive, they strongly suggest SLE.

Remember: just because you have a positive ANA does not mean you have lupus or other specific rheumatologic disease. It all depends on your symptoms, your physical examination, other routine test results and why the ANA was checked in the first place.

I'd like to learn more specific information about my ANA now.

To continue reading this article, you must log in.

Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.

  • Research health conditions
  • Check your symptoms
  • Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
  • Find the best treatments and procedures for you
  • Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
Learn more about the many benefits and features of joining Harvard Health Online »

I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.

Sign Me Up

Already a member? Login ».

Disclaimer:

As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Free Healthbeat Signup

Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!

Sign Up
Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift.

The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness, is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health, plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise, pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss...from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts.

BONUS! Sign up now and
get a FREE copy of the
Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness.