What Does Positive ANA Test Indicate?

Posted on Tue, 14 Apr 2015

Question: I received paperwork from my doctor that stated ANAw/reflex was positive and anti-nuclear test is positive and suggestive of Sjogren's syndrome. What is this?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

I read carefully your query.

A positive ANA test means that antibodies antinuclear are found in blood indicating the presence of an autoimmune disease.
An autoimmune disease is a condition when our immune system for different causes (genetic,environmental etc) produce antibodies against specific body cells.

Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease in which a person’s immune system attack the salivary and tear glands.
Dry mouth ,dry eyes ,fatigue and joint pain are common symptoms.

Your doctor will order other tests to confirm the diagnosis because a positive ANA indicates the presence of an autoimmune disease but it is not specific for Sjögren's syndrome.Some tests are :
-tear break-up time and Schirmer test,salivary flow rate (these tests confirm the decrease in tear or saliva production ).
-a biopsy of a salivary gland on the inner lip

Since it is an autoimmune disorder there is no definitive cure for it but there are several treatment options to treat the symptoms such as Corticosteroids ,drugs to suppress immune system, drugs to induce the production of saliva and tears etc.

You need to consult a Reumathologist for proper management.

Hope it helps.
Let me know if you have any other question.I will be happy to help.

Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati

Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar