Final answer:
An ANA-positive result indicates the presence of antinuclear antibodies, which is significant in diagnosing autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). For a diagnosis of SLE, a patient would typically need to meet certain criteria, including the presence of specific autoantibodies and at least four of the 11 common symptoms of SLE.
Step-by-step explanation:
When medical professionals mention 'ANA positive', they are referring to the presence of antinuclear antibodies in a patient's blood. An ANA test is an important tool in diagnosing autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). According to the American College of Rheumatology, for a diagnosis of SLE, an ANA titer must be at least 1:40 in the presence of symptoms involving two or more organ systems.
In addition to ANA, the presence of other autoantibodies like anti-double-stranded DNA (ds-DNA) and anti-Sm is also indicative of SLE and is considered part of the classification criteria for this disease. The symptoms of SLE can affect various parts of the body leading to manifestations such as fever, a 'butterfly' rash, arthritis, and seizures. A diagnosis of SLE depends on identifying four of the 11 most common symptoms alongside confirmed production of autoantibodies unique to SLE.
To conclusively diagnose systemic lupus erythematosus, in a case like Kerry's where ANA is positive, referring to a rheumatology specialist is essential. The rheumatologist can provide a comprehensive evaluation, which includes validating the ANA test results and checking for additional symptoms as per the SLE diagnostic criteria.