Hi! My mother had Lupus and I have been tested ANA-positive. But my GP didn´t want to follow up the test result. He said I was just a "fraction above the tolerated limit". But I dont understand that. Isn´t ANA either posivit or negative? Should I be concerned? Maybe book another appointment?

ANA may fluctuate normal and elevated. It is reported as a ratio of numbers.... so doctors can see that and predict the next course of action. Hence there can be retests to see what is going on.

Labs also can make errors...and doctors know that too.

Why would he not advice me to take another test then, to rule out mistakes and/or fluctuation?

You will have to ask your doctor for those reasons.

He just felt so unbothered by it. It felt like he was thinking "Lupus is so rare, it´s no use testing this healty young man for it"... I recent that train of thought though.

That is how doctors are for the most part.

Hi Swedishguy,

I presented with many of the "symptoms" of Lupus and the doc ordered the ANA test which came back positive. I was then sent to a specialist for further evaluation. It was concluded that my blood test result was a "false positive". It is my understanding that there are a variety of reasons why an ANA test will be "positive" but NOT be Lupus.

There is someone here that has posted about positive ANA test results and explained it in great detail. I will try to locate that post for you as it may be very beneficial to you.

The fact that your mother had Lupus and you had a positive ANA may mean that you might consider seeing a rhumematologist (spelling??) for further evaluation. If you have NO symptoms, you could have a false positive. That may be the reason your doc appeared to just dismiss the lab result. The test alone is not conclusive. It is used as a tool to be used with clinical evaluation.

Thanks for the reply!
How common is it to be false-positive? I DO think the doctor should have sent me on follow up tests. In sweden I cant go to a specialist on my own accord, I have to be sent there by my GP.

This article explains ANA testing in detail and what causes
false positives, etc.

http://www.rheumatology.org/Practice...ies_%28ANA%29/

So your doctor is doing what he/she should be doing.

This article explains the medications and other variables that might lead to a false positive result:
http://www.cigna.com/healthwellness/...ibodies-hw2297

mrsD,

Great article. Thanks for the link. I am sure Swedishguy will really appreciate it. Spot on for his question.

Your post deserved more than just a "click" on Thanks. It deserved a message of thanks.

Hopeless