ANAs also lack specificity and sensitivity. However, a positive anti-nuclear antibody test in a patient presenting with multi-system symptomology and signs may be an indication of a multi-system connective tissue disease, such as SLE, scleroderma and Sjögren's syndrome. However, positive ANAs are not restricted to the connective tissue diseases and extreme caution needs to be exercised in interpreting any results, particularly as "false" positive tests may occur in up to 5% of otherwise normal, healthy individuals. The use of ANA testing is discouraged as a screening test for rheumatic diseases.

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