Lupus Diagnosis: Positive ANA but no Lupus

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There is no single diagnostic test for lupus. There is a screening test

called the ANA (anti-nuclear antibody) test which is often checked when

a doctor suspects lupus. If the ANA test comes back negative it is

considered

a normal result, and it is very good evidence against lupus as an

explanation

for the symptoms.

If the ANA test result comes back above the normal range the test is

said to be positive. A positive ANA test by itself is not proof of

lupus.

A positive ANA can mean many things. There are many illnesses and

conditions

associated with a positive ANA, including rheumatoid arthritis,

Sjogren's

syndrome, scleroderma, and lupus, as well as infectious diseases such

as

mononucleosis, bacterial endocarditis, and autoimmune thyroid and liver

disease.

Certain medications can cause a positive ANA, and many healthy

people

with no associated illness or condition have a positive ANA.