What Blood Test Would A Doctor Order After A Positive

Posted on Mon, 16 Dec 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 16 Dec 2019 Answered on

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Question : What blood test would a doctor order after a positive ANA with a titer of 1:80 the pattern is dense fine and speckled. Also, symptoms are fatigue, light sensitivity, muscle twitching noticeable when relaxing (awake) and according to husband most of the night. At times, my hand shakes when holding a phone to take video. Worst symptom is exhaustion. I know you can’t diagnose but I wonder what your first thought would be, and steps you would take.

Answered by Dr. Dr. (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Consult with rheumatologist...

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I have gone through your query and here is my advice.

As per your history, there can be several causes for positive ANA test which should get evaluated.

Positive ANA test indicates presence of autoantibodies i e antibodies react with our own healthy cells or tissue, but it does not rule out presence of autoimmune disease as it has only 80% sensitivity.

As per your symptoms, for further assessment I would suggest you to consult with rheumatologist for detailed clinical examination. He may procure electromyography, anti centromere, anti ds DNA, RA factor, anti histone as per evaluation to rule out possibilities of rheumatoid arthritis /polymyositis /lupus.

Mean while, take balanced diet. Do light exercise after physiotherapist consultation.

Hope I have answered your query...
Let me know if I can assist you further

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. (1 hour later)

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Answered by Dr. Dr. (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
please see detailed answer.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for your reply.

I have reviewed attached images.

As per attached images, positive ANA does not indicates presence of autoimmune disease.

So for further assessment (though ANA screening, IFA is negative), consult with rheumatologist for detailed clinical examination and evaluation.

Hope I have answered your query...
let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad