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What is this test?

The Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) test is a blood test that detects the presence of antinuclear antibodies in your blood. These are antibodies that your immune system produces mistakenly against your own body's cells, specifically targeting the nuclei of cells. This test uses a technique called immunofluorescence to identify and measure these antibodies in your serum sample.

Why is this test ordered?

Your healthcare provider may order an ANA test if you have symptoms of an autoimmune disorder, such as joint pain, fatigue, fever, skin rashes, or muscle weakness. This test is commonly used to help diagnose conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, scleroderma, and polymyositis. It serves as an important screening tool because these conditions can affect multiple organs and systems in the body.

How is the test performed?

A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. This sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is processed to obtain serum. The serum is tested using the immunofluorescence technique, where antibodies in your blood are mixed with fluorescent markers and observed under a special microscope to detect the presence and pattern of antinuclear antibodies.

What do the results mean?

Results are typically reported as a titer (a measure of concentration) and a staining pattern. A positive ANA test means that antinuclear antibodies were detected in your blood. However, a positive result does not automatically mean you have an autoimmune disease, as some healthy individuals, especially older adults, may have low levels of these antibodies. Your healthcare provider will interpret your results along with your symptoms, physical exam, and other tests to determine if further evaluation is needed.