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This blood test detects antinuclear antibodies to help diagnose autoimmune disorders such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
{"Detects antibodies that mistakenly attack your body's own cell nuclei","Mainly used to screen for autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)","Simple blood draw, no fasting or special preparation required","A positive result indicates presence of autoantibodies but does not confirm a specific disease","Results must be interpreted together with your symptoms and other test findings"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 31540-8
- Short code
- ANA Fld-aCnc
- Synonyms
- ANA Fld-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 86038
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is the Nuclear Antibody (ANA) Test?
The Nuclear Antibody test, also known as ANA, is a blood test that detects antinuclear antibodies in your bloodstream. Normally, your immune system produces antibodies to fight off harmful substances like viruses and bacteria. However, in some people, the immune system mistakenly produces antibodies against the body's own cells—this is called an autoimmune response. The ANA test specifically looks for these autoantibodies that target the nuclei (control centers) of your cells.
This test is primarily used as a screening tool to help doctors identify autoimmune disorders. While a positive ANA result can indicate the presence of an autoimmune disease, it does not diagnose a specific condition on its own. Further testing is usually needed to determine the exact type and severity of any autoimmune condition.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The ANA test is primarily used to help diagnose autoimmune disorders. A positive result may be associated with conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's syndrome, scleroderma, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, and rheumatoid arthritis. However, a positive ANA can also occur in other conditions like chronic liver disease, certain infections, or in some healthy individuals, especially older adults. The pattern and titer (strength) of the ANA result can provide additional clues to help identify specific autoimmune conditions. Your doctor will interpret your results in combination with your clinical symptoms, physical examination, and other laboratory tests to make an accurate diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
What does a positive ANA result mean?
Can the ANA test be positive in healthy people?
How long does it take to get the results?
Will I need other tests after the ANA test?
Sources
- 1
- 2May Clinic - ANA TestSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy