What does ANA pattern centromere mean?

Centromere. This is an example of a centromere ANA pattern. This pattern is characterized by staining of discrete speckles in the nucleus of the interphase cells (a). This is staining of the centromere. There are usually 46 speckles, one for each set of chromosomes.

What does a positive centromere antibody mean?

A positive test for centromere antibodies is strongly associated with CREST syndrome. The presence of detectable levels of centromere antibodies may antedate the appearance of diagnostic clinical features of CREST syndrome by several years.

What does a positive ANA titer and pattern mean?

A positive ANA test is usually reported as both a ratio (called a titer) and a pattern, such as smooth or speckled. Certain diseases are more likely to have certain patterns. The higher the titer, the more likely the result is a “true positive” result, meaning you have significant ANAs and an autoimmune disease.

What causes positive ANA speckled pattern?

Speckled: Fine and coarse speckles of ANA staining are seen throughout the nucleus. This pattern is more commonly associated with antibodies to extractable nuclear antigens. This pattern can be associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Sjögren’s syndrome, Systemic Sclerosis, Polymyositis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

What infections cause positive ANA?

Conditions that usually cause a positive ANA test include:

  • Systemic lupus erythematosus.
  • Sjögren’s syndrome — a disease that causes dry eyes and mouth.
  • Scleroderma — a connective tissue disease.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis — this causes joint damage, pain, and swelling.
  • Polymyositis — a disease that causes muscle weakness.

Is ANA positive in CREST syndrome?

A subset of patients with systemic sclerosis (CREST syndrome) have a limited pattern of involvement (usually restricted to the skin) and characteristic associated disease phenomena. Patients with CREST syndrome typically show a characteristic anticentromere pattern on ANA.

Is ANA positive in CREST?

The ACA test may be ordered when you have a positive result on an ANA test and/or one or more of the symptoms associated with CREST. These symptoms include: Calcinosis – calcium deposits under the skin. Raynaud phenomenon – episodes of decreased blood flow to fingers and toes, causing them to turn white and blue.

What is considered a high titer for ANA?

A titer of 1:160 or above is commonly considered a positive test result. Other conditions with ANA associations include Crohn’s disease, mononucleosis, subacute bacterial endocarditis, tuberculosis, and lymphoproliferative diseases.

Should I be worried about a positive ANA test?

So if you have a positive ANA, don’t panic. The next step is to see a rheumatologist who will determine if additional testing is needed and who will make sure you will get the best care for your particular situation.

Does speckled ANA mean lupus?

Peripheral or rim (only the outline of the nucleus is seen, like a halo)—not common, almost always indicates lupus. Speckled (tiny dots throughout the nucleus)—a common pattern, not specific, but often indicating anti-Sm or anti-RNP antibodies (see below) found in lupus or mixed connective tissue disease.

Can infection cause elevated ANA?

Causes of a false-positive ANA include infection, malignancy, and certain medications. Therefore, a positive ANA test does not equal a diagnosis of lupus or any autoimmune or connective tissue disease.

What cancers are associated with positive ANA?

Neoplastic diseases may cause positive ANA. Some authors have described that ANA is found in the sera from lung, breast, head and neck cancer patients as frequently as in RA and SLE 3, 4, 5. Chapman et al. 6 has suggested that in breast cancer they may be used as an aid to early diagnosis.

What are the lab results for centromere B AB?

My doctor ordered lab work ANA IF with reflex titer the results were positive. My centromere B AB is 2.9 . I … read more I am scheduled to see a rheumatologist in 3 months due to patient back up. I am concerned about my blood test results. My mother and my brother … read more

How often do you repeat antinuclear antibody ANA titer?

At that time the result was ANA Titer >=1280 ANA pattern anti-centromere. My previous rheum did not even comment on the test result or suggest I be on look out for certain symptoms. At that point (2012) , I had had Reynauds for about 4 years/ some esophageal pressure issues (which I then assumed was stress related) but, no swelling in my fingers.

What does the pattern next to your titer mean?

There may be a word next to your titer. This is the pattern. This is actually the pattern that the pathologist sees light up under the microscope. The pattern can tell us some things, but is not always helpful. Certain patterns such as “centromere” make us think of diseases such as scleroderma.

What is the centromere antibody ANA of scleroderma?

I have a centromere antibody of >8.0 and an ANA of 1:1280. Is this pretty definative of Scleroderma or could it still be I have a centromere antibody of >8.0 and an ANA of 1:1280. Licensed and Practicing Ph…