ANA Test for Lupus: New study finds inconsistencies

Many "seasoned" lupus patients will remember that, way back when, having a positive ANA was often the first blood test that indicated that something was amiss. But since being diagnosed,  I've met some (though not many) lupus patients who never tested positive for ANA. This new study explores that notion, particularly those patient who once tested positive but no longer do. Take a look at the snippets below, and be sure to read the whole article:

A new study funded by the Lupus Research Alliance Lupus Industry Council shows that not all individuals who have been diagnosed with lupus remain positive for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) despite the long-held scientific belief to the contrary. Importantly, this study also reveals that whether a person with long-standing lupus tests ANA positive or negative can vary widely depending on the particular ANA test being used.

Using five different tests to detect antinuclear antibodies in blood serum samples from 103 people with confirmed lupus, study investigators found widely varying negative results ranging from 5% to 22%.

These findings have implications for identifying patients eligible for clinical trials as well as what treatment is recommended and raise important questions about the natural history of disease progression in individuals with established lupus.

Be sure to read the entire article!