ANA VALUES

HOW COMMON IS IT, FOR A HEALTHY PERSON TO TEST POSITIVE FOR ANA. CAN PEOPLE WITH FIBROMYALGIA, TEST POSITIVE FOR ANA? IS LUPUS, OR OTHER AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES SEEN IN  HIGHER TITER AMTS ONLY?MINE WAS 1:40, WHICH MY DOC SAYS IS NORMAL, AND SO DOES THE LAB

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Women and elderly patients can present with a false positive elevated ANA.  Otherwise healthy patients can also present with a positive ANA.  I do not have an exact number that I can quote you.

It is possible that fibromylagia (fibromyalgia) can present with an elevated ANA.  Lupus and other rheumatological diseases would likely present with a higher titer than 1:40.

You can obtain other physician opinion regarding your lab tests if you are not comfortable with the interpretation.

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.
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