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What is an ANA Test?
An ANA (Antinuclear antibody) test helps doctors detect antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in your bloodstream. Your immune system develops antibodies to fight infections. However, when your body produces antinuclear antibodies, these proteins “misfire” and attack body tissues by targeting the nucleus of each cell (hence, ‘antinuclear’). That means, if you test ANA positive, it could indicate that your immune system is attacking your healthy cells, tissues, and organs. This condition is also known as the autoimmune reaction. However, in some cases, people stay fit even when they test positive for ANA.
What is the ANA Test Used For?
The ANA (antinuclear antibody) test is used to diagnose autoimmune disorders in your body. For example, it helps understand Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), a type of chronic autoimmune disease, the most common type of lupus that affects multiple body parts, including joints, kidneys, and the brain. Doctors also use this test to rule out conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and Sjogren’s syndrome.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Understanding the results of the ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) Test
If you test ANA positive, it does not mean you have an autoimmune condition. Around 3% to 15% of people who test positive for ANA have no problems at all! But if you test positive, your healthcare provider will most likely order more tests based on your symptoms. Also, not everyone with autoimmune disease will test ANA positive.
Why Do I Need an ANA Test?
Your doctor will likely ask you to undergo an ANA test if you have symptoms of any kind that indicate autoimmune disease or lupus. The symptoms may include fever, fatigue, red butterfly-shaped rashes (a sign of lupus), and muscle and joint pain. You need not worry if you test positive; 20% of healthy people test positive without an autoimmune condition.
What Happens During the ANA Test?
The ANA test is quite simple. A lab technician will collect blood from your upper arm, and this blood will be sent to a lab for evaluation. The lab will check if there are antinuclear antibodies in your blood.
What Does a Positive ANA Mean?
If you test positive in an ANA test, it means antinuclear antibodies were found in your bloodstream. You will get a positive report if you have SLE (lupus), other autoimmune diseases, or even a viral infection. However, testing positive does not mean you have a chronic illness. You could also test positive if you have been prescribed certain medication. To understand this better, book an appointment today.
Can Vitamin D Deficiency Cause Positive ANA?
Yes, research proves that patients with severe vitamin D deficiency have higher chances of receiving a positive ANA test result. In addition, vitamin D is often associated with autoimmune diseases. Hence, a lack of vitamin D could, in fact, lead to a positive ANA report.
Can Low Vitamin D Cause Positive ANA?
A lack of vitamin D can increase the risks of various autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), diabetes mellitus type 1, multiple sclerosis, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. So, yes, vitamin D has a significant effect on the human immune system, and if your body lacks vitamin D, it might lead to positive ANA (antinuclear antibody).
Can Stress Cause Positive ANA?
Yes, a new study has raised the possibility that severe stress might cause autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. People diagnosed with stress-related disorders earlier also have higher risks of developing autoimmune diseases later. So, there is a high chance that people with stress issues will get a positive ANA report.
Do I Have to Fast for an ANA Blood Test?
The ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) test requires your blood sample. If your blood sample is needed only for the ANA test, you could eat and drink normally. However, if your blood sample will also be used for other tests, you might need to fast.
What Percentage of People with Positive ANA have Lupus?
Research shows that 98% of people with lupus will test positive for ANA. But it is also true that non-lupus triggers, such as scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis, can also result in positive ANA. However, the ANA test is a non-specific test to detect autoimmune conditions. Still, ANA tests are susceptible and can rule out lupus in patients.
Well, you are just a click away to get the ANA test done. Book an appointment or get a free second opinion at Yashoda Hospitals.
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