Just got test results - what are some avergae values for ANA?

[tiger]

Just got test results back.  The first time I have been tested for ANA.

ANA   Positive  1:160    Speckled pattern
Rheumatoid Factor = negative

For my lab, <1:80 is negative so this means I am positive but it's a fairly low positive if I understand correctly.

Obviously I'm bummed.  I had hope that this wouldn't be the case.

Is there a such thing as a typical reading for someone with Sjogren's?  How high how can they get?

[CandyBar]

My ANA upon diagnosis (through a positive salivary gland biopsy) was 1:1280, which is high.  My understanding is that ANA can fluctuate so I don't know that there is a typical reading for Sjs, but others here may know.

[eyeamdry]

Tiger, someone with more medical knowledge will hopefully come in here.  It does get a little slow on weekends and this being a long weekend, might be slim pickings.

Speckled pattern definitely referrs to Sjogrens, but since you have no info on SSA or SB, I'm not sure.  I had the speckled pattern, with SSB positive.  It's been awhile and I don't remember other numbers.  I don't think ANA necessarily means SJS without the other (SSA or SSB).  I believe ANA can be positive from a low grade infection.  You will know more when you get more labwork done. 

Remember though, the treatment is pretty much the same if you are positive for Sjogrens or just have the symptoms.  Treatment of the symptoms is the important thing.l  Good luck, Lucy

[aussie mum]

My daughters first ANA test was 1:2560, but she is usually 1:1280 -  speckled, with a positive SSA. She is not on any medication for her SJS/Lupus, not sure if that would make any difference to her ANA levels.

What does it mean if you have constant high numbers?

[Nancy60]

1:160 is definitely considered positive although can be found in the healthy population a small percentage of the time. 

Generally speaking, the higher the titer the more certain you can be that an autoimmune process is going on, but higher numbers don't really tell you anything about what autoimmune disease you have. 

Your doctor or your rheumy needs to test for specific antibodies for that (like the SSA, SSB for sjogren's; DS-DNA, SM for Lupus etc...) but these antibodies are not found in everyone with the disease so they will also look at symptoms etc...

Many times at this point a referral to a Rheumatologist is made.  If you haven't been referred to one yet, you are certainly justified in asking for a referral, or referring yourself if your insurance lets you self refer. 

Be sure to get a copy of the test results that came up positive for your own records and give a copy to the rheumy. 

Many times if your ANA is positive but no other specific antibody tests are positive, your doctor will take a watch and wait approach, but if you are having symptoms consistent with autoimmnue disease then you should ask for treatment of the symptoms even if they can't make a definitive diagnosis yet. 

Good Luck, and let us know what you find out!

Nancy

[mshistory]

I would only be unconcerned if my ANA came back 1:80 or lower - 1:160 is only one dilution higher than 1:80 but with a history of symptoms and a positive ANA that takes several dilutions to become undetectable, I think it's an indication of AI disease. I have had my ANA tested several times and each time it comes back "greater than or equal to 1:1280 speckled." Speckled is the most common pattern and can be found with a variety of AI diseases, Sjogren's included.

Medication has never affected my ANA level (a year on Plaquenil).

I think this website is really helpful for understanding these lab tests: http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagement/rheumatology/laboratory-evaluation-rheumatic-diseases/