HomeAnswersRheumatologyana testWhat does ANA positive in a blood test with joint pain indicate?

I have occasional joint pain, and my blood test shows positive ANA. Kindly help.

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Sushrutha M.

Published At August 17, 2021
Reviewed AtAugust 17, 2021

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I recently had routine laboratory tests done ordered by my gynecologist. First time I had the SED test done. The rate was 35, so she ordered some other tests. Alpha globulin 1 result is 40, ANA test is positive, ANA titer is 1:40, ANA pattern nuclear, homogenous, and rheumatoid factor. I am taking Avapro 300 mg daily for hypertension. Kindly give your opinion.

Answered by Dr. Nupoor Acharya

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) is a little high, and ANA (antinuclear antibodies) is positive. However, 1:40 is a very low titer. ANA positivity may be seen in different connective tissue diseases (CTD). A low titer positivity may also be seen in normal individuals.

The symptoms associated with CTDs are joint pains, facial rash, photosensitivity, oral ulcers, hair loss, Raynaud's, dry eyes and mouth, etc. Do you have any of these symptoms?

To further confirm the diagnosis, you can take the following tests, ENA (extranuclear antigen-antibody) profile, direct Coomb's test, C3 (complement component), C4, and CRP (C-reactive protein).

I hope this was helpful.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you.

I do have experienced joint pains, not regularly, though. I have hair loss, and my fingertips get num for no reason. I have no facial rash or other symptoms you mentioned. I do have had what seems to be a rash for quite a long time now in my left ankle. Over-the-counter Anti Itch ointment helps. It is only in the ankle, no other spots. I have meant to see a dermatologist, specifically when it gets really dry and itchy. I have no idea if this has any correlation. Kindly give your opinion.

Answered by Dr. Nupoor Acharya

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The rash you are describing sounds more like lichenoid rash, which is not a feature of connective tissue disease. Which of your joints are painful? Do you have joint swelling and stiffness in the morning? Occasional numbness of fingers may be seen in mild carpal tunnel syndrome. If you are in doubt, do the tests I previously advised. They will give you a better idea. I hope this was helpful.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

My doctor ordered me to do CRP, C3, and C4 tests. All the results are within range.

Answered by Dr. Nupoor Acharya

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

If all your tests are normal, then I do not think that you need to worry about having a disease. You can repeat ESR after three months. If you develop any of the symptoms as I described above, then you should consult your doctor. For now, you do not need any treatment.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Nupoor Acharya
Dr. Nupoor Acharya

Rheumatology

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