ANA VALUES

[laci]

I RECENTLY HAD BLOODWORK DONE. I'VE BEEN EXPERIENCING WIDESPREAD MUSCLE & ACHY JOINTS. MY SED RATE WAS NORMAL. MY RF  TEST WAS NORMAL. MY ANA WAS 1:40, WITH A HOMOGENOUS PATTERN. ACCORDING TO THE LAB ,THIS WAS NORMAL. MY DOC ALSO SAID NORMAL.   WHAT VALUES R CONSIDERED ABNORMAL?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

The ANA titer of 1:40 is considered in the normal range.  Here is a simple analogy of titers.  

Imagine the ANA being spread amongs many vials.  If the ANA is present in the 40th vial, then the titer is 1:40.  If there is more ANA present, then it will be spread amongst more vials (1:80, 1:160).  

Thus 1:80 will be positive, 1:160 moreso.  

You can discuss this value with your personal physician.

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_b

[suba]

34 years old.  Chronic sickness from month to month with many URI, bronchitis, pneumonia, sinutis etc..  I recently got an immuniological workup and ANA test back with a value of 1> 640 but all other IGG and IGA and Compliment values in the normal ranges.  What does this most likely mean?  I cant find what else except for Lupus would cause a value in the range with all those other tests negative.  Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.