Interpreting Elevated ANA and ESR Results
08/25/2009 |
Question:
Recently, I received bloodwork results indicating a high ESR of 54 and an ANA of 1:160 speckled. My doctor believes these markers could be a result of gallbladder surgery performed in May of this year. I`m curious to know if a surgical procedure could cause these elevated levels.
Also of note, I have been experiecing intermittent joint pain in both elbows and hands for several weeks.
Should I press my doctor to have further blood tests done? Thank you.
Answer:
ESR and ANA elevations may be reactive to a multitude of causes. However, if your symptoms persist at a time even further out from your surgery, then it would be reasonable to repeat the laboratories.
For more information:
Go to the Arthritis and Rheumatism health topic.