Does your positive ANA mean you have Lupus?
By: Dr. Kiana Taba
One of the most common reasons patients are sent to me for rheumatologic consultation is an abnormal blood test. Although there are many, the most common reason for referral is a positive ANA. ANA stands for anti-nuclear antibody. The production of antibodies is one of the ways that your immune system works to fight off infection from viruses, bacteria, etc. But sometimes the immune system gets confused and produces an antibody directed against itself.
A positive ANA test can signify an autoimmune disease such as Lupus (also called Systemic Lupus Erythematosus), Sjogren’s Syndrome, Scleroderma and many others. However, it can also be present due to other things such as medications, viral infections and cancers – and it can be present in up to 15% of completely healthy people! Also, positive ANA test results increase with age, especially after age 65.
Rheumatoid factor, or RF, is another common blood test used to identify autoimmune disease. This is also a type of antibody. It can indicate the presence of Rheumatoid Arthritis or Juvenile Arthritis and be present in Lupus and Sjogren’s Syndrome. But a Rheumatoid Factor, just like the ANA, can be positive for other reasons, such as cigarette smoking, chronic infections such as hepatitis and cancers.
So what should you do if you get a positive ANA or RF or other abnormal rheumatologic blood test? Go see your local rheumatologist!
Rheumatologists are the experts at determining whether your blood test means you have a disease or not. They will review any symptoms you may have, ask you about other symptoms of autoimmune disease, review your medical history, and do a complete physical exam. Be sure to tell your rheumatologist about anything that is bothering you; you never know what is important. If your symptoms or exam are concerning, they may do other blood tests or other tests such as X-rays.
If rheumatologic evaluation ultimately reveals an autoimmune disease, don’t panic! We have many new treatments for diseases such as Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis, and patients can have a good quality of life and usually return to their daily activities.
If you need a rheumatologic consultation, please reach out. I am a board-certified rheumatologist and also practice Lifestyle Medicine. My concierge practice in Newport Beach offers same-day or next-day appointments. I would be happy to see you and answer any questions you may have about an ANA, RF, or anything else that you are concerned about.
More information: www.kianatabamd.com
Location:
320 Superior Avenue, Suite 310, Newport Beach, CA 92663
(949) 438-3848 | info@kianatabamd.com
