Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA)

ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies) Test

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:

• Taking medicine. Many medicines can change the results of this test. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the nonprescription and prescription medicines you take.
• Aging. Some older adults (5% to 40%) may have mildly elevated levels. These people do not have lupus.
• A virus. Viral illness can cause an ANA to be positive, and later turn back to normal.

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Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH	Last Updated: June 12, 2008
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
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