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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does A Positive ANA Test Mean?

My sister tested positive for an ANA test, she then had an ultrasound done to check her gallbladder, and an edg. They found nothing wrong with her, however her old doctor (in Indiana) says there is seriously something wrong and wants to perform more tests. But her new doctor in Ohio, wont give her a referral. When my mother called to ask the doctor for one, he HUNG UP on her.
Tue, 1 Apr 2014
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Pathologist and Microbiologist,  's  Response
Hi!
Welcome to HCM!
An ANA test detects antinuclear antibodies in your blood. Your immune system normally makes antibodies to help you fight infection. In contrast, antinuclear antibodies often attack your body's own tissues — specifically targeting each cell's nucleus.
In most cases, a positive ANA test indicates that your immune system has started a misdirected attack on your own tissue — in other words, an autoimmune reaction. But some people have positive ANA tests even when they're healthy.

Your doctor ordered an ANA test as she suspects your sister has an autoimmune disease such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma.While an ANA test can't confirm a specific diagnosis, it can rule out some possible diseases. As the ANA test is positive, your blood can be tested for the presence of particular antinuclear antibodies, some of which are specific to certain diseases.Many medications can also stimulate the production of ANAs.
Hope this helps!
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What Does A Positive ANA Test Mean?

Hi! Welcome to HCM! An ANA test detects antinuclear antibodies in your blood. Your immune system normally makes antibodies to help you fight infection. In contrast, antinuclear antibodies often attack your body s own tissues — specifically targeting each cell s nucleus. In most cases, a positive ANA test indicates that your immune system has started a misdirected attack on your own tissue — in other words, an autoimmune reaction. But some people have positive ANA tests even when they re healthy. Your doctor ordered an ANA test as she suspects your sister has an autoimmune disease such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma.While an ANA test can t confirm a specific diagnosis, it can rule out some possible diseases. As the ANA test is positive, your blood can be tested for the presence of particular antinuclear antibodies, some of which are specific to certain diseases.Many medications can also stimulate the production of ANAs. Hope this helps!