ANA Test Results: What Do They Mean for Your Health?

Q: ANA Test Results: What Do They Mean for Your Health?

Hello, thank you for your questions. <br>Here are my responses：<br>1. <br>The first test showed an ANA titer of 1：80, but the second test showed none at all. <br>Does this mean there is a higher chance of being negative and healthy? --> I believe the antibody levels may be low, w

Antinuclear antibody (ANA) issues?

Hello Doctor, my blood test report shows an ANA antibody titer of 1:80 with Pattern 1: homogeneous and Pattern 2: fine speckled.
In a second test at a different hospital, the ANA was 40 (-).
The doctor said there are no antibodies, and the anti-DNA is also 0.
Currently, I have no immune symptoms, but I am quite worried about the report.
I would like to ask the following:
1.
How is it possible that the first test showed an ANA antibody titer of 1:80, and the second test showed none? Does this mean that the likelihood of being healthy is greater?
2.
What do Pattern 1: homogeneous and Pattern 2: fine speckled mean? Are these antibodies associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or can healthy individuals also test positive for these patterns? Is there a possibility that I could develop SLE?
3.
Does an anti-DNA antibody level of 0 and an anti-Sm antibody level of 0 indicate that I do not have a predisposition to lupus erythematosus?
4.
Will the titer of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) continue to rise over time? For example, could the antibody levels increase to 1:160 or higher during active phases, or do they generally remain stable?
Thank you, Doctor, for taking the time to answer my questions.

Mao Mao, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/02/26

Dr. Gao Jiankai reply Internal Medicine

Hello, thank you for your questions.
Here are my responses:
1.
The first test showed an ANA titer of 1:80, but the second test showed none at all.
Does this mean there is a higher chance of being negative and healthy? --> I believe the antibody levels may be low, which can lead to slight variations in test results each time.
There's no need to worry too much.
2.
What do Pattern 1: homogeneous and Pattern 2: fine speckled mean? Are these antibodies related to SLE, or can healthy individuals also test positive for these patterns? Is it possible for me to develop SLE? --> These are patterns observed under a fluorescence microscope, which help us arrange for further testing.
However, as long as the titers are not high, even with different patterns present, there is no need for concern.
Healthy individuals can also show different patterns, and the diagnosis of lupus is not solely based on ANA results, so there’s no need to worry.
3.
Does having anti-dsDNA antibody 0 and anti-Sm antibody 0 indicate that I do not have a predisposition for lupus? --> Both are diagnostic criteria for lupus, so their presence or absence does not definitively confirm or rule out the disease.
4.
Will the levels of antinuclear antibodies continue to rise over time? For example, could the antibody levels increase to 1:160 or higher during an active phase, or do they generally remain stable? --> Similar to the previous point.
However, if you experience any new physical discomfort, further testing would be necessary.
Generally, low levels do not suddenly increase.
Best regards from the Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2022/02/26

More Info

Understanding the results of an Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) test can be quite complex, especially when considering the implications for your health. The ANA test is primarily used to screen for autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, and others. Here’s a detailed breakdown of your questions and concerns regarding your ANA test results.

1. Variability in ANA Results: It is not uncommon for ANA test results to vary between tests. In your case, the first test showed an ANA titer of 1:80, while the second test returned a negative result (40). This fluctuation can occur due to several factors, including differences in laboratory techniques, the timing of the tests, and even the presence of transient factors that may affect antibody levels. A negative result in the second test suggests a lower likelihood of an autoimmune condition, especially if you are currently asymptomatic. However, it's essential to interpret these results in the context of your overall health and any symptoms you may experience.

2. Understanding ANA Patterns: The patterns you mentioned—homogeneous and fine speckled—are indicative of the types of antibodies present. A homogeneous pattern is often associated with SLE, while a fine speckled pattern can be seen in various autoimmune diseases, including Sjögren's syndrome and scleroderma, but can also occur in healthy individuals. Therefore, while these patterns can provide clues, they are not definitive for diagnosing any specific condition. Many healthy individuals can test positive for ANA without having an autoimmune disease.

3. Anti-DNA and Anti-Sm Antibodies: The absence of anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) and anti-Smith (anti-Sm) antibodies is a positive sign, as these antibodies are more specific for SLE. Their presence, particularly in conjunction with other symptoms, would raise the suspicion for lupus. Therefore, having a result of zero for these antibodies suggests that you do not have the typical markers for SLE at this time.

4. Trends in ANA Levels: ANA levels can fluctuate over time. Some individuals may experience increases in their ANA titers during periods of disease activity, while others may have stable low levels or even negative results. It is not guaranteed that your ANA levels will rise; many people with positive ANA tests do not develop autoimmune diseases. Regular monitoring and clinical correlation with symptoms are crucial in understanding the significance of ANA levels over time.

In conclusion, while your initial ANA result of 1:80 raised some concerns, the subsequent negative result and the absence of specific antibodies associated with SLE are reassuring. The patterns observed in your ANA test can be present in both healthy individuals and those with autoimmune diseases, so they should be interpreted cautiously. It is essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider, who can help you monitor any changes in your health and guide you through any necessary follow-up tests or evaluations. If you develop any new symptoms or have ongoing concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor for further assessment.

Similar Q&A

Understanding ANA Test Results: What Does a 1:80 Titer Mean?

1. The ANA (antinuclear antibody) test result of 1:80 indicates a low level of antibodies present in your system. While your previous result was negative, the current result suggests that there may be some level of antibodies, but it is still considered low and may not be clinica...

Dr. Gao Jiankai reply Internal Medicine
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. If two years ago the result was NEGATIVE and now it is 1:80X(-), does this indicate that there are some antibodies present in the body? --> Yes, it indicates that there has been an increase in antibodies. 2. Previ...

Understanding ANA Test Results: Normal vs. Abnormal Findings Explained

Doctor, could you please tell me if these test results are normal or abnormal? ANA: 1:40 (-) (1:40 (-)) ANA Pattern: - ANA ≥ 1:160 (+) suggestive of clinical significance.

Dr. Lin Sixie reply Rare Disease
Hello: A positive test result requires further diagnosis by a clinical physician.

Understanding Your ANA Test Results: What Does a Positive Result Mean?

Hello, I would like to inquire about my previous blood test results. The ANA was positive, with a Dense Fine Speckled pattern at a titer of 1:640(+). After approximately one year of follow-up, the results are as follows: ANA Pattern 1 is Dense Fine Speckled (AC-2), Anti-RNP Antib...

Dr. Gao Jiankai reply Internal Medicine
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. The reference ranges for test values may vary between different laboratories. If you have questions about your test results, I recommend presenting the normal ranges indicated in the report for easier interpretation. 2....

Understanding Blood Test Results for Hair Loss: ANA and Scalp Biopsy Insights

Hello Dr. Wu, I had a blood test done due to hair loss, and here are some of the results: ANA (Antinuclear Antibody): POSITIVE (the doctor did not provide the numerical value), Double Stranded DNA Antibody: <25 IU (Negative), WBC, AUTO: 4.2 K/µL. Since I am in the United State...

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology
1. A positive ANA test result should be interpreted based on the titer; values from 0 to 40 are considered negative, while values greater than 160 are significant. 2. For this issue, you should consult your attending physician, as they are most familiar with your medical condit...