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Results
By Mayo Clinic staffThe presence of any antinuclear antibodies is a positive test result. But having a positive result doesn't mean you have a disease. Many people with no disease have positive ANA tests — particularly women older than 65.
Mononucleosis is one type of infection that has been associated with the development of antinuclear antibodies. Some blood pressure lowering drugs and certain anti-seizure medications may trigger antinuclear antibody formation as well.
If your doctor suspects you have an autoimmune disease, he or she is likely to order a number of tests. The result of your ANA test is one piece of information your doctor can use to help determine the cause of your signs and symptoms.
- Arend WP, et al. Laboratory evaluation of systemic inflammatory disease. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/191371208-2/0/1492/0.html#. Accessed June 21, 2011.
- Reichlin M. Measurement and clinical significance of antinuclear antibodies. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 21, 2011.
- Tassiulas IO, et al. Clinical features and treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus: Diagnostic tests. In: Firestein GS, et al. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-6/0/1807/0.html. Accessed June 21, 2011.
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