Can anyone tell me what a high ANA test means?

Answer 1

The ANA test, antinuclear antibody test, measures abnormal antibodies (pattern and amount) that are working against the tissues of the body (auto-antibodies). A high result can mean that an auto-immune disease is present. However, the ANA test does not diagnose a specific condition! It is a tool to help evaluate symptoms. It lets the doctor know that further testing must be done.

A high result could indicate:
systemic lupus erythematosus
rheumatoid arthritis
myositis
scleroderma
Raynaud's syndrome
Certain medications can cause a high result so usually, before the test, the doctor asks what medications you are taking. Also, many healthy people can have a high result especially if someone in their family had an auto-immune disease!

The important thing to know is that, without further testing, the ANA test reveals nothing as to what condition you may have. So, be sure to follow through on any testing your doctor wants done.