Question 1

i have a positive ana and a positive anti ssa ro >8.. i have been tested 3 times with the same results is there a possibility it's a false positive after 3 positives?

Accepted Answer

It's real: However, the question is, "What do you do with the information?" This doesn't prove you have lupus / Sjogren's, or that you don't. It's part of the big picture on which treatment decisions will be made. Good luck and I'm glad you're taking a proactive approach.

Question 2

positive ana and dsdna. retest  showed neg ana and dsdna, but low c4.  what does the low c4 mean? were first results false positive?

Accepted Answer

Complex: sample handling, timing and transport are important, the process is delicate and constitutes multiple steps at different temperatures, and the results are interpreted in context with the clinical picture, just ask your doctor / rheumatologist for interpretation, if just suspicion, observation and follow up are the way to go for many clinicians, wish you wellness

Question 3

in dec. 2010 i had a positive ana 1.160 dr said it was a false positive now 2/2013 it is now 1:80 what does this mean?  what do you suggest?

Accepted Answer

Maybe nothing: The major info needed is to explain why the test was ordered in the first place. Remember, the ANA is nonspecific and can be seen in normals. A titer of 1:80 is not impressive. That said, the test needs to be evaluated in context with the clinical symptoms.

Question 4

i know you get this a lot, but i had ana positive 1:80 speckled. i kind or know that these can be a false positive.what dose the flag a & range n mean?

Accepted Answer

Many: People get a low positive ana, means nothing unless high titer and other signs and symptoms, go see a qualified rheumatologist. Titers low mean nothing unless you have other criteria.

Question 5

can taking flunarizine for a week cause false positive ana report?

Accepted Answer

ANA test: In general the ANA test has a high sensitivity.  That means that it is a good screening test but is not as specific for a disease.  It can be thrown off by other factors yes.  Take a look at the many specific antibodies that can be tested on wikipedia.  Its best to go based on clinical suspicion when it comes to antibody workups for Lupus or other similar conditions.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/

Question 6

tomorrow, i have to do another ana test,  will me taking plaquinil cause a false positive ana?

Accepted Answer

No: Wondering why you are taking a medication often prescribed for lupus if you don't list either lupus or another reason for the medicine. Anti-nuclear antibody tests aren't reported as "positive" or "negative" but as a titer. They remain an important screening test for lupus.

Question 7

can birth control cause false positive ana and dsdna using mia testing method?  how reliable is this testing method?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily: It is pretty unlikely that could be causing those tests to be positive.  It does occur on occasion however but i would look for other issues. It could be false-positive.

Question 8

can 10 days of augmentin/amoxocillin cause a false positive ana test?

Accepted Answer

No: There is no such thing as a "false positive" ANA, but this is a lab result that's useful only in the context of the clinical picture. About one adult in four has a positive ANA, usually at a low titer.

Question 9

i have antibodies that produce positive ana screening and false positive syphilis screening. what does that mean?

Accepted Answer

Nothing really: False-positive syphilis screens (the old vdrl assay) are fairly common especially in folks with lupus or who are simply middle-aged or older. Plenty of healthy folks have them. I would not draw any further conclusion.

Question 10

positive ana and dsdna of 18 with a normal range of less than 9.  is this a false positive? only symptoms are joint pain and sun rash.

Accepted Answer

Lab test results are: Consistent with your symptoms. All lab test results need to be evaluated in the clinical context. Please discuss the issue with your doctor.

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Doctor answers about:

False positive ana results

A member asked:

I have a positive ana and a positive anti ssa ro >8.. i have been tested 3 times with the same results is there a possibility it's a false positive after 3 positives?

A member asked:

Positive ana and dsdna. retest showed neg ana and dsdna, but low c4. what does the low c4 mean? were first results false positive?

A member asked:

In dec. 2010 i had a positive ana 1.160 dr said it was a false positive now 2/2013 it is now 1:80 what does this mean? what do you suggest?

A member asked:

I know you get this a lot, but i had ana positive 1:80 speckled. i kind or know that these can be a false positive.what dose the flag a & range n mean?

A member asked:

Can taking flunarizine for a week cause false positive ana report?

A member asked:

Tomorrow, i have to do another ana test, will me taking plaquinil cause a false positive ana?

A member asked:

Can birth control cause false positive ana and dsdna using mia testing method? how reliable is this testing method?

A member asked:

Can 10 days of augmentin/amoxocillin cause a false positive ana test?

A member asked:

I have antibodies that produce positive ana screening and false positive syphilis screening. what does that mean?

A member asked:

Positive ana and dsdna of 18 with a normal range of less than 9. is this a false positive? only symptoms are joint pain and sun rash.

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