Autoimmune Diseases Associated with a Positive ANA

Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) are possible signs of autoimmune diseases. White blood cells in the body’s immune system make antibodies to spot and attack foreign agents that cause infections or disease. Sometimes, antibodies target normal proteins in our body by mistake. This can trigger inflammation that leads to joint or tissue damage. These antibodies are called autoantibodies. Everyone has small amounts of autoantibodies. ANAs are one type of autoantibody. A positive ANA blood test means autoantibodies are present, but it’s not a sure sign of an autoimmune disease.

Common Autoimmune Diseases associated

with a positive ANA are: