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The antinuclear antibody test. When is a positive result clinically relevant?
1Section of Rheumatology, Loyola University of Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois.
Postgraduate Medicine
|August 1, 1993
Summary
The antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is sensitive but can yield false positives in many conditions. ANA testing is most useful for patients with suspected rheumatic disease, guiding further diagnostic tests.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Antinuclear antibody (ANA) testing is a common diagnostic tool.
- ANA tests are known for high sensitivity but low specificity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the appropriate clinical utility of ANA testing.
- To guide the judicious use of ANA tests in patient evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and clinical guidelines on ANA testing.
- Analysis of the diagnostic implications of positive ANA results in various patient populations.
Main Results:
- Positive ANA results occur in numerous nonrheumatic diseases and in healthy individuals.
- ANA tests are not recommended for patients with non-specific symptoms.
Conclusions:
- ANA testing should be reserved for patients exhibiting signs or symptoms suggestive of rheumatic disease.
- Positive ANA results in appropriate contexts warrant further specific investigations for diagnosis.