ANA levels ?!?

flowerpot

Yes its me again I feel bad just randomly popping in here when another question crosses my mind, with so little to offer in return. My mind has gone in to over drive over my latest ANA tests. I saw the Rheumatologist who has now given up trying to diagnose me a few weeks ago, who said that my latest bloods were fine. I received a copy of the letter he sent to my GP saying he gives up send me to someone else, but it states my ANA was 1:160, but not significant in light of my other symptoms.

I have been trying to work out what a "normal" ANA level is, from reading on t'internet it seems they measure it in two ways either by a titration ratio, or by volume per mL, but can't seem to find a consistent answer as to what level in normal, some say anything over 1:40 is bad, others say it needs to be closer to 1:1000 to be considered abnormal. I am not sure if its because I am flitting between US and UK sites, or if the levels are different depending on where the test are done? I hope to see my GP this week to discuss the letter so want to feel lightly better informed before they brush me aside as a hypochondriac :-)

Warm heat wraps to you all!

dreamdaisy

I have no idea what ANA is, but if those who know are happy with yours then please try not to fret too much. I have learned over the years not to take too much notice of blood tests, yes they are a necessary monitoring tool, and I conscientiously get mine done, but from all the reading I have done on here they don't seem to help much with diagnosis if they don't show what is 'required'. I was eventually diagnosed with PA only when the psoriasis turned up, up until then I was classed as having an inflammatory arthritis. Let those with the technical skill sort stuff out, you keep a diary of what is what with you, so that when you have appointments whoever you are seeing will have as full a picture as possible - and please stay as well as you can. DD

valval

sorry i have no idea as never ask what mine are it must be awfull to have pain and be told there nothing wrong with you but do not give up ask for second opinion if need be pain and swelling is real so stay strong and you will get there we do not expect you to join in we are more than happy for you to pop in with questions what ever suits good luck val

flowerpot

ANA levels are for a certain antibody associates with Autoimmune diseases, as they can't work at what's wrong with me they just keep running tests in the hope they find something has changed, and as far as I know this is the first time my ANA levels have even been worth mentioning. I am just clutching at straws for a diagnosis so they can start treatment and I can tell my employer exactly what is wrong so they will get off my back!