Blood Tests Range - No Symptoms

[tleisher]

Hi! I was recently diagnosed via a blood test. I've read that if the count is low, it may be a mistake so I was hoping to get some advice from these forums.

In 2011, my doctor did a blood test on a whim, I wasn't experiencing symptoms, nor complained about anything but he checked me for ANA and it came back at 14... he tested for SS-A and SS-B at the same time. SS-A came back 1.8, and SS-B was negative. The range it lists was 0.0-0.9 was negative. So 1.8 wasn't that much higher, but I'm not sure what the scale is.

He sent me a rheumatologist who had me do more blood work. I remember doing it, and I remember him saying something about my mother having autoimmune problems (She has vitiligo and grave's disease.) But he didn't put me on meds, nor do I remember him telling me that I had it.

I'm very diligent about my health and if my PCP sent me to him, and he told me I had something and to take meds, I would be on them now... but I'm not.

In 2014 he tested me again but didn't mention it and my SS-A came back at 2.3. In 2018, I got my annual physical and my ANA came back at 15, and SS-A at 2.8. He's asked me to go back to a rheumatologist, as the previous one didn't send any results.

So I have a few questions while I wait for my appointment:

1) I don't have any symptoms. Is this normal?

2) Is 2.8 high for SS-A or is it low? I've heard of people having over a hundred or over 8. Is there a scale for this?

3) Can the initial SS-A or ANA test be a false positive due to my mother having vitiligo and grave's?

4) Would my rheumatologist not put me on meds in 2011 for some reason other than me not having it or it being a false positive?

Thanks! I'll update once I get back from my appointment at the end of the month.

[happylife]

hi,

many healthy people with no symptoms can test positive for ANA or SSA or SSB. So do not worry. The right thing to do is stay calm, do your blood tests again only when you develop any specific symptoms like dry eyes/dry mouth. It is not advisable to start medication just based on positive blood test.

take care.

[SjoGirl]

Autoimmune diseases can take  many years to fully manifest themselves. Everyone is different, some experience symptoms, some a few, some many there is no cookie cutter to diagnose.

Are you or your physician concerned in any way about the readings? Do you feel well and are you able to function?