Have you received a Positive ANA result?
A positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test result usually indicates that your immune system is attacking your own tissues, a condition known as an autoimmune reaction. However, a positive ANA test doesn't always indicate an autoimmune disease or that you will develop one.
What does a Positive ANA result mean?
An ANA test measures the level of antinuclear antibodies in your blood. These antibodies are produced by your immune system and bind to your own tissues. During the test, a pathologist examines the sample for fluorescent cells that indicate the presence of antinuclear antibodies. The pattern of the fluorescent cells can help identify the type of autoimmune disease.
Healthy people
Many healthy people have positive ANA tests, especially as they get older. Up to one-third of healthy adults over 65 may have a positive ANA test.
Medications & Infections
Certain medications can cause positive ANA tests. As well as, Infections like pneumonia and COVID-19 can cause a positive ANA test.
Common Autoimmune Diseases
associated with a positive ANA are:
Scleroderma
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Connective Tissue Disease
Lupus
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Sjögren's Disease
Thyroid
Polymyositis
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Unexplained Infertility
