What Does My Blood Test Report Indicate?

Posted on Sun, 25 Jun 2017

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

Sun, 25 Jun 2017 Answered on

Mon, 17 Jul 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : What does the phrase "positive ANA" mean on a blood test??

Answered by Dr. Divya Agarwal (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is a test to detect connective tissue disease

Detailed Answer:
hi
it is the anti nuclear antibody.
this is a test which should not be used for screening.
however if a connective tissue disease like lupus is suspected then it is a relevant test.
also a low titer like 1:80 or less is less significant than a high titer.
also the extractable nuclear antigen is a break up of anti nuclear antibody.
it is preferable to check this test by. method called indirect immunofluorescence.
regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad