A member asked:

I know positive anas are found in healthy people, but are pos anti-rnps also found in healthy people? what about dsdna and anti-smith?

2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

RNP not specific : RNP's are antibodies which may be seen in "overlap" connective tissue disorders and are not as helpful as are other antibody tests when looking for a specific disorder. dsDNS/Sm ab, when present, usually point to the specific diagnosis of Lupus. However, it is just as important to look at all of the information obtained from a person's history and exam to put these tests into a proper context.

Answered 7/15/2015

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More specific: Low-titer RNP's may be found in healthy folks, but anti-Sm and anti-dsDNA at titers above the lab's cutoffs are fairly specific for lupus. The diagnosis and decision to treat are ultimately based on the whole clinical picture.

Answered 7/15/2015

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