Yes, there is! It's called ANA-negative lupus. While more than 95% of people with lupus test positive for antinuclear antibodies (ANAs), a small number of people can still be diagnosed with lupus even with a negative ANA result.
Here's how that can happen:
- A person may test negative for ANAs but still have other Show Full Answer
Yes, there is! It's called ANA-negative lupus. While more than 95% of people with lupus test positive for antinuclear antibodies (ANAs), a small number of people can still be diagnosed with lupus even with a negative ANA result.
Here's how that can happen:
- A person may test negative for ANAs but still have other lupus-specific antibodies, like anti-Sm antibodies
- Different labs run and interpret ANA tests differently, so low levels of antibodies might not always be clearly detected
- Some people are diagnosed with ANA-negative lupus if lupus nephritis (kidney involvement) is confirmed through a kidney biopsy When a diagnosis isn't straightforward, a rheumatologist might use broader terms like:
- Borderline lupus
- Mixed connective tissue disease
- Forme fruste lupus (a milder or incomplete form)
No matter the label, the focus remains on treating symptoms and supporting overall health. If results are unclear, a rheumatologist will typically order additional tests to get a fuller picture. Reaching a diagnosis can sometimes take time, so patience (as frustrating as that is!) is part of the process.
September 22
Join
Your Privacy Choices
