Positive ANA

Back in 2017, I had an ANA blood test and it was positive. It was then repeated 3 months later and it was still positive. The blood test was ordered by a new young doctor, when I talked to my regular doctor he was not concerned - all other labs were normal and I didn't have any severe symptoms.

About two weeks ago i had a full blood count, my doctor rang the next day and told me it came back normal except slight iron deficiency. The rest of the results would be ready later that week, I thought it was just an allergy test - apparently he had ordered another ANA test. The clinic is open only for Corona patients, so I went and checked the results myself... And the ANA was positive. Again. And higher.

I am not even particularly worried about lupus. I am worried about scleroderma, dermamyositis and cancer. I feel like it must be something bad. I don't have typical Lupus or RA symptoms such as joint pain, so my mind tells me it's something worse or a warning sign that, if I don't already have a horrible disease, I will get one soon...

Has anyone had a positive ANA several years in a row without it being serious?

Anyone?

Quote:

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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.

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Sorry don't really know but thought i would share this

Thank you! I am aware that ANA is sometimes positive in healthy individuals. But mine has been positive for years now. Often some one tests positive, then negative, but mine is never negative...

Hi, I tested positive for ANA about 20 years ago. My doctor sent me to a specialist who said I didn’t appear to have anything like lupus, but I could develop it in the future. That caused me all kinds of worry for a few years, but 20 years later I am still here, and never did develop anything related to ANA. In fact, I forgot I even had it for a long time, I think some people just have the antibodies normally.

Yes and positive ena afterwards ,I'm worried sick, I do have raynauds and Gerd few aches and pains, I feel your pain I'm terrified

Your situation sounds like mine. Can you please update?

A positive ANA test can be indicative of several conditions, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, scleroderma, and other autoimmune disorders. However, it's important to note that a positive ANA test alone is not diagnostic of any specific condition and needs to be interpreted in the context of your symptoms, medical history, and other laboratory tests.


It's also possible for individuals to have a positive ANA test without having any autoimmune condition or significant health problems. False-positive ANA results can occur due to several reasons, such as infections, medications, or even aging. It's important to remember that a positive ANA result does not necessarily mean that you have an autoimmune disease or cancer.


In terms of having a positive ANA test several years in a row, it's possible to have a positive ANA test without developing a serious autoimmune condition. However, it's important to continue monitoring your symptoms and health status with your healthcare provider to ensure that any potential health problems are addressed in a timely manner.


If you're feeling anxious or worried about your test results, it's important to discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider. They can provide more information and guidance specific to your situation and help alleviate any worries or anxieties you may have.