Understanding Your ANA Test Results: A Guide to Homogenous & SSR Patterns

Question
Hello,
I recently went to my Dr. with complaints of fatigue and general pain.  I got the test results back and don't really understand them.  My Homogenous pattern titer is 1:40 but my ssr/ro is 1:320.  I looked at my CBC and nothing else is abnormal.  My metabolic panel is normal.  What could this indicate?
Thank you,
Shawna

Answer
Hi Shawna.  I'd be glad to try and answer your question.  The ANA test is used to detect various kinds of connective tissue diseases.  There are 4 types of "patterns", homogenous, speckled, nucleolar, and outline,  Each may mean a different possible disease.  A positive ANA with a homogenous pattern could mean Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).  But since your SSA/ro pattern was high, this could also mean you have Sjorgen's Syndrome.  I think the next step would be further testing to determine the reason for the positive ANA test.  There are more specific tests that your doctor can order to find out for sure.  Check with your doctor.

Samantha