Get Directions to Your Rheumatologist's Office
News
Featured Video
Ask the Rheumatologist: Latest Answer
Kyle from Alberta asks: My doctor did some rheumatology tests. dsDNA came back positive, but then the reflex crithidia test was negative. My ANA is negative. What does this all mean?
These tests are often associated with lupus, but it can get confusing. An ANA test is not diagnostic of lupus; a negative test essentially rules it out, while a positive test often means nothing on its own (1/200 individuals who are positive have lupus). On the other hand, we usually say that dsDNA test is a very good test for lupus. In other words, if you test positive for dsDNA, it usually means you have lupus. Unfortunately, the way the test is run by many labs these days is not as accurate as it was in the past, resulting in false positive results. When a positive result returns, some labs will double check the test with the traditional crithidia method, which is more trustworthy. In someone who is ANA negative and crithidia dsDNA negative, it is reassuring that lupus is an unlikely diagnosis.