ANA Blot

Immunity

Report in 12Hrs

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No Fasting Required

Details

Blot-based detection of multiple antinuclear antibodies.

₹2,738₹3,911

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ANA Blot Test Information Guide

Why is it done?
- Detects and identifies specific autoantibodies (anti-nuclear antibodies) against individual nuclear antigens in a patient's blood
- Provides detailed characterization of positive ANA results to identify specific autoimmune conditions
- Ordered when initial ANA screening test is positive to determine which specific antibodies are present
- Helps diagnose systemic autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's syndrome, and scleroderma
- Typically performed when a patient presents with symptoms suggestive of autoimmune disease, such as persistent fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, or unexplained inflammatory conditions
- Used for disease monitoring and management in patients with confirmed autoimmune conditions
Normal Range
- Negative Result: Absence of detectable specific autoantibodies (most common normal result) This indicates no significant autoimmune reactivity against the tested antigens
- Reference Range: <1.0 units/mL or <1.0 Index (varies by laboratory and specific antigen tested) Values less than the laboratory's cutoff are considered negative
- Positive Result: Detectable specific autoantibodies at or above the established cutoff threshold Indicates presence of significant autoimmune response against specific nuclear antigens
- Units of Measurement: Index units, U/mL, or AU/mL (arbitrary units per milliliter) depending on the laboratory methodology
- Borderline Values: 0.9-1.1 Index or values near the laboratory cutoff may require repeat testing or clinical correlation
- Normal Result: Simply indicates no detectable antibodies to the specific antigens tested, but does not exclude autoimmune disease as some patients may have other autoantibodies or seronegative autoimmune conditions
Interpretation
- Anti-dsDNA (double-stranded DNA) Antibodies: Highly specific for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); elevated levels strongly correlate with SLE diagnosis and lupus nephritis
- Anti-Smith (Sm) Antibodies: Highly specific marker for SLE; rarely found in other conditions; indicates more active disease
- Anti-SSA/Ro and Anti-SSB/La Antibodies: Associated with Sjögren's syndrome and lupus; found in 40-60% of lupus patients; can be present in other autoimmune conditions
- Anti-Histone Antibodies: Associated with drug-induced lupus erythematosus; frequently positive in patients taking hydralazine, procainamide, or isoniazid
- Anti-Scl-70 (Topoisomerase I) Antibodies: Specific for diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (scleroderma); indicates increased risk of pulmonary fibrosis
- Anti-Centromere Antibodies: Associated with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis; indicates lower risk of organ involvement compared to anti-Scl-70
- Anti-RNP (Ribonucleoprotein) Antibodies: Found in lupus, mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), and other autoimmune conditions; less specific than anti-dsDNA or anti-Sm
- Anti-CENP-B Antibodies: More specific marker for limited scleroderma; usually co-occurs with anti-centromere antibodies
- Quantitative Results: Higher antibody titers may indicate more active disease or greater disease severity, though absolute values do not always correlate perfectly with clinical manifestations
- Factors Affecting Results: Medications, infections, malignancies, liver disease, and laboratory variation may all influence test results and should be considered in clinical context
- Multiple Positive Antibodies: Pattern of multiple positive antibodies can help establish or confirm specific autoimmune diagnoses and predict disease course
Associated Organs
- Primary Organ Systems: Immune system with secondary effects on multiple organs including kidneys, skin, joints, heart, lungs, and nervous system
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): Positive anti-dsDNA and anti-Sm antibodies; autoimmune attack on multiple organs
- Sjögren's Syndrome: Positive anti-SSA/Ro and anti-SSB/La antibodies; primary involvement of salivary and lacrimal glands; can cause secondary systemic manifestations
- Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma): Positive anti-Scl-70 and anti-centromere antibodies; primarily affects skin and connective tissue with potential lung and kidney involvement
- Lupus Nephritis: Kidney involvement in SLE; anti-dsDNA antibodies correlate with renal disease progression
- Pulmonary Manifestations: Anti-Scl-70 antibodies predict higher risk of pulmonary fibrosis in scleroderma patients
- Cardiovascular Complications: SLE can cause myocarditis, pericarditis, and accelerated atherosclerosis; certain antibodies increase cardiovascular risk
- Neurological Involvement: Lupus and other autoimmune conditions can cause cerebritis, cognitive dysfunction, and neuropathies
- Hematologic Complications: Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and anticoagulant effects from certain antibodies
- Musculoskeletal Effects: Joint inflammation, arthritis, and potential bone loss due to chronic inflammation and corticosteroid use
Follow-up Tests
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): To assess for cytopenias (anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia) commonly associated with autoimmune diseases
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP): To evaluate kidney function (creatinine, BUN) and liver function given systemic involvement in autoimmune diseases
- Urinalysis: To detect proteinuria, hematuria, and cellular casts indicating lupus nephritis or other renal involvement
- Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP): Markers of systemic inflammation; useful for disease monitoring
- Complement Levels (C3, C4): Low complement levels in SLE indicate active disease and increased organ involvement risk
- Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies: If thrombosis history present or recurrent miscarriages to identify antiphospholipid syndrome
- Rheumatoid Factor (RF) and Anti-CCP: To differentiate from or identify concurrent rheumatoid arthritis
- 24-Hour Urine Protein: Quantify proteinuria if renal involvement suspected
- Renal Biopsy: If significant proteinuria or hematuria present to confirm lupus nephritis and determine treatment
- Imaging Studies: Chest X-ray for pulmonary involvement, high-resolution CT for interstitial lung disease, particularly in scleroderma
- Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs): To assess for pulmonary fibrosis in scleroderma patients with positive anti-Scl-70 antibodies
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): To assess for cardiac involvement including arrhythmias or conduction abnormalities
- Monitoring Frequency: Repeat ANA Blot annually or as clinically indicated; more frequent testing during disease flares or treatment changes
Fasting Required?
- Fasting Required: No
- Patient can eat and drink normally before the blood draw; fasting is not necessary for this test
- Medications: Continue all regularly prescribed medications unless otherwise instructed by physician; some immunosuppressive medications and corticosteroids may affect antibody levels but should not be discontinued
- Special Instructions: Inform the healthcare provider of all current medications and recent infections, as these may affect test results
- Timing: Blood sample collection can be done at any time of day; no time-sensitive preparation needed
- Minimal Patient Preparation: Standard venipuncture procedure; no special restrictions before the test other than having accessible veins for blood draw

How our test process works!