hi there

The ANA is a screening test, and given that yours is 1:320 it is less likely to be a false positive. Positive ANA's increase with age in otherwise healthy people, the so called false positives.

You need to be referred to a rheumatologist for further testing. The vast majority of people with lupus have joint (actually multiple joint) and at least some degree of skin involvement. But ANAs can be positive in many other diseases so it's important to get further testing done. Many doctors see a positive ANA and think lupus, but that's just not true. It does mean you need further testing though.

I have had lupus for many years, my ANA tends to run 1:1280 - 1:2560 (numbers double with each dilution of the test). There are other antibodies that are specific to lupus, particularly anti-ds-dna and anti-sm. So, it will likely come down to what your symptoms are, and what antibodies you have, as to what your dx may be.

best of luck with it all

raglet

Have you been referred to a rheumie? They are definitely the experts in this area,