Does Positive Ana Mean Lupus

A positive result on an ANA test means that antinuclear antibodies were found in your blood. You may get a positive result if: You have SLE (lupus). You have a different type of autoimmune disease.

What autoimmune diseases cause positive ANA?

• Systemic lupus erythematosus.
• Sjögren’s syndrome — a disease that causes dry eyes and mouth.
• Scleroderma — a connective tissue disease.
• Rheumatoid arthritis — this causes joint damage, pain, and swelling.
• Polymyositis — a disease that causes muscle weakness.

Does positive ANA always mean lupus?

If your doctor says your ANA test is “positive,” that means you have antinuclear antibodies in your blood — but it doesn’t necessarily mean you have lupus. In fact, a large portion of patients with a positive ANA do not have lupus.