What does a positive ANA reading mean? A negative ANA reading means no autoantibodies are present in the body. However, a positive ANA reading alone does not indicate an autoimmune disease.
- The prevalence of ANAs in healthy individuals is about 3 - 15%. The production of these autoantibodies is strongly age-dependent, and increases to 10 - 37% in healthy persons over the age of 65. Even healthy people with viral infections can have a positive ANA.
- Some medications can cause a positive ANA. It is important to talk with your doctor about all the drugs you are taking - prescription, over-the-counter, and street.