ANA Antibodies

[l412angel]

I got my ANA antibodies test back and it was 1:40. My doc said that is sometimes even considered normal. Can someone explain what this means?

[alviarin]

Here is more about the ANA test: http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/ana/test.html

My last ANA test came back 1:40, and my doctors aren't concerned. I am hypothyroid, and autoimmune thyroid disease can be associated with a positive ANA. However a certain percentage of people with no illnesses or symptoms can also have positive ANAs.

My understanding is that they only start to investigate more if there is a high ANA (like 1:320) or other unexplained symptoms.

[l412angel]

Ok sounds great! My OB said she was not concerned but of course now I am ALWAYS concerned even if others are not. She still wants me to talk to my MFM about being tested for LUPUS since I was not.

[alviarin]

It's difficult- if not impossible- not to worry after having had preeclampsia.

Let us know what your MFM says!

[deerhart]

a big word of caution here, you can have symptoms of an autoimmune disease and still take years for your ANA to come back positive. I have seen it over nad over in my SSA cases. People will have symptoms for 5-10 years before that ANA comes back positive.

[l412angel]

deerheart any suggestions on what I should do?

[kara]

Agreeing with Erin. But there isn't much you can do, but get tested every so often, and report any strange symptoms to your docs.

I'm likely one of those people. My doc thinks that with time, or even the physical stress of more pregnancy that an identifiable autoimmune disorder will crop up. I've had several "off" tests over the years, but nothing definitive, as is often the case.

[trish]

Agreeing with Erin & Kara. I had testing done last summer because of painful/achy joints & a weird rash. I think mine was like 1:4 with a speckled pattern. My Dr. just said it didn't fall neatly into any AI category and wasn't RA now but that I may end up with it later. All of the AI stuff seems so hard to pin down. (((HUGS)))

[l412angel]

I know thats the problem! Its so hard to actually diagnose anything when it comes to ANA. At least I know for sure I have factor V!