Anti Nuclear Antibodies (ANA)
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Antinuclear antibody test screens for autoimmune diseases such as lupus or Sjögren’s syndrome.
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🧪 Anti-Nuclear Antibodies (ANA) Test
Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
Full Name | Anti-Nuclear Antibodies (ANA) |
Sample Type | Blood (Serum) |
Fasting Required | ❌ No |
Test Method | IFA (Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay) / ELISA |
Typical Turnaround | 1–3 days |
🔬 What Is ANA?
Anti-Nuclear Antibodies (ANA) are a group of autoantibodies produced by the immune system that mistakenly attack the body's own nuclear proteins, especially those found in the nucleus of cells.
They are commonly associated with autoimmune diseases, particularly connective tissue disorders.
🧠 Organs & Systems Affected
System | Typical Manifestations |
|---|---|
Immune System | Autoimmune dysfunction |
Joints | Arthritis, joint pain |
Skin | Rashes, especially butterfly rash on the face |
Kidneys | Lupus nephritis |
Nervous System | Seizures, cognitive issues in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) |
Lungs & Heart | Serositis (pleuritis, pericarditis) |
🎯 Why Is This Test Done?
Clinical Purpose | Application |
|---|---|
✅ Screen for autoimmune diseases | Especially SLE, Sjögren’s, scleroderma, etc. |
🔍 Investigate unexplained symptoms | Fatigue, joint pain, rash, fever, inflammation |
🧬 Monitor autoimmune disease progression | Especially in known SLE or related conditions |
👨⚕️ Aid in diagnosis of overlap syndromes | Where more than one autoimmune disease is suspected |
📊 Interpretation
Result | What It Suggests |
|---|---|
Negative | Usually rules out major autoimmune disorders (though not 100%) |
Positive (low titer: 1:40–1:80) | May be seen in healthy individuals, especially elderly |
Positive (moderate-high titer: ≥1:160) | Suggests autoimmune condition, needs further confirmation |
ANA pattern (e.g., homogeneous, speckled, nucleolar, centromere) also helps narrow down specific diseases.
🌐 Common Diseases Associated With Positive ANA
Disease | Typical ANA Pattern |
|---|---|
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) | Homogeneous or Speckled |
Sjögren’s Syndrome | Speckled |
Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma) | Centromere or Nucleolar |
Polymyositis/Dermatomyositis | Speckled |
Mixed Connective Tissue Disease | Speckled |
Autoimmune Hepatitis | Homogeneous |
🧪 Further Tests Often Done in Conjunction
Test | Purpose |
|---|---|
Anti-dsDNA | Specific for SLE |
Anti-Sm (Smith Antibody) | Highly specific for SLE |
ENA Panel (Anti-SSA, SSB, RNP, Jo-1, etc.) | Classify autoimmune subtypes |
CRP & ESR | Inflammation markers |
C3 & C4 Complement | Often reduced in active lupus |
Liver & Kidney Function Tests | Evaluate organ involvement |
⚠️ Special Notes
- A positive ANA does not confirm an autoimmune disease by itself.
- Some healthy individuals (5–15%) may test positive with low titers.
- Clinical symptoms + specific antibodies are essential for diagnosis.
✅ Summary Table
Test | Anti-Nuclear Antibodies (ANA) |
|---|---|
Primary Use | Autoimmune screening (esp. SLE, Sjögren's, scleroderma) |
Sample | Serum |
Result | Positive or negative; titer and pattern crucial |
Positive ANA Suggests | Autoimmune activity, requires further testing |
Fasting Required | ❌ No |
How our test process works!
