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Autoimmune

ANA in women: lupus, age and a positive result

According to MedlinePlus, antinuclear antibodies are proteins made by the immune system that attack healthy cells instead of foreign substances such as viruses and bacteria; they are called that because they target the cell nucleus, which sends the signals needed for important cell functions.

According to MedlinePlus, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common type of lupus, is one of the autoimmune disorders a positive ANA may point to; at the same time, according to MedlinePlus, many healthy adults may have a positive ANA, especially women over 65. Whether antinuclear antibodies are in the blood can only be established with a blood test.

Certe uses 'negative' as the reference for ANA, for all ages.

Doctor's Assessment Included

ANA stands for antinuclear antibodies: antibodies that target the nucleus of healthy cells. According to MedlinePlus, a positive ANA may point to an autoimmune disorder, but some healthy people also have these antibodies.

  • Certe and Diagnostiek voor U use 'negative' as the reference for ANA, Unilabs 'not detectable'.
  • According to MedlinePlus, an ANA result alone cannot diagnose a specific disease.
  • According to MedlinePlus, certain medicines can cause antinuclear antibodies.

ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies): what this test measures

An ANA test looks for antinuclear antibodies in the blood; after a positive screening at 1:80, Certe tests further at the titre steps 1:160, 1:320 and 1:640.

ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies): why this value matters

According to MedlinePlus, an ANA test is used to help diagnose autoimmune disorders, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common type of lupus, Sjögren's syndrome and thyroid diseases.

ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies): how the blood test works

Referral
No GP referral needed. After the order we arrange the referral through ZorgDomein, within one business day; orders after 17:00 or at the weekend start on the next business day. ZorgDomein emails a barcode, and that barcode is what the draw site needs.
The draw
A blood draw from a vein in the arm, at a partner laboratory's draw site. No home kit, no finger prick.
Where
650+ draw sites run by independent laboratories across the Netherlands. Draw sites

ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies): when is testing worthwhile?

According to MedlinePlus, symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, muscle pain, a rash or fever can be a reason for an ANA test when they may point to an autoimmune disorder.

ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies): symptoms of a high or low value

Low Levels

According to MedlinePlus, an ANA that is negative means no antinuclear antibodies were found, but it does not completely rule out an autoimmune disorder.

High Levels

According to MedlinePlus, many healthy adults may have a positive ANA, especially women over 65, and the level of antinuclear antibodies tends to rise with age. A positive result can also fit systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or a different type of autoimmune disease, a viral infection, or another condition such as cancer.

ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies): causes of a low or high value

What raises the value

  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

    A positive ANA may be a sign of systemic lupus erythematosus.

  • Another autoimmune disease

    A positive ANA may be a sign of a different type of autoimmune disease.

  • A viral infection

    A viral infection can give antinuclear antibodies, which are usually only in the blood for a short time.

  • Another condition, such as cancer

    Another health condition that can cause antinuclear antibodies, such as cancer, may lie behind a positive ANA.

  • Certain medicines

    Certain medicines can cause antinuclear antibodies.

ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies): lifestyle and this value

Discuss a positive ANA with your GP; MedlinePlus names further testing as the likely next step towards a diagnosis.

ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies): frequently asked questions

Do healthy women sometimes have a positive ANA?

Yes, according to MedlinePlus many healthy adults may have a positive ANA, especially women over 65.

ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies): sources

  1. MedlinePlus, ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) Test, medlineplus.gov, geraadpleegd 2026-10-18 (retrieved 2026) medlineplus.gov

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ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies)

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