Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum.  ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Arthritis  (Expert Forum)
 | 
Ana Chromosome
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com

Ana Chromosome

by Ysabel, Oct 19, 2006 12:00AM
What does it mean that I have positive ana screen and I'm also supposed to have rhematoid arthritis, the rheumatoid factor came negative?

by Kevin Pho, MD, Oct 20, 2006 12:00AM
The ANA level is a marker for various rheumatological diseases - such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.  By itself, the result isn't useful - it has to be correlated with your symptoms, physical exam, and other blood tests.  Note, there is a small proportion of the population that will have a positive ANA screen.

If you have other symptoms consistent with arthritis or lupus, further testing can be considered.  At this time, I would consider a referral to a rheumatologist for further interpretation of this test.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
Continue discussion
RSS Expert Activity
H1N1 and Our Pets
Nov 05 by Thomas Dock, Vet. Technician
In the ER: A Unicorn's Journey
Nov 03 by Jon Geller, D.V.M.
Doctors Resign Over Coca-Cola Fundi...
Nov 03 by Adam Tanase, D.C.