What other factors can trigger a positive ANA?

Certain factors can potentially lead to a false positive result on an ANA test. These include:

advanced age, typically over 65
some infectious diseases, such as those caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), parvovirus, cytomegalovirus (CMV), or hepatitis C
use of specific medications (antiseizure medications, blood pressure drugs, and antibiotics)
cancer (rarely)
One studyTrusted Source found that a positive ANA test was linked not only to autoimmune diseases like lupus but also to an increased risk of conditions such as Raynaud’s syndrome and respiratory issues in those without autoimmune diseases.

However, the study also found unexpected results. For example, ANA-positive individuals showed a lower risk of conditions like hepatitis C, mood disorders, tobacco and substance use disorders, convulsions, and some diabetes and heart-related issues.

These findings indicate that ANA-positivity may affect various health conditions beyond autoimmune diseases, with some unexpected protective associations observed in certain disorders.