Anaintercellbridgetitrserif
This blood test detects specific autoantibodies targeting nuclear structures, helping diagnose autoimmune conditions affecting the skin and connective tissues.
{"The test identifies antibodies against nuclear antigens using immunofluorescence microscopy","A positive result may indicate autoimmune diseases like lupus or mixed connective tissue disease","Results are reported as a titer (dilution ratio) with a pattern classification","The test requires a blood sample and is typically ordered when autoimmune symptoms are present","Results should be interpreted by your healthcare provider in context of your symptoms"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 54155-7
- Short code
- ANA intercell bridge Titr Ser IF
- Synonyms
- ANA intercell bridge Titr Ser IF
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- if
- 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 this test?
The Intercellular Bridge Nuclear Antibody test detects autoantibodies in your blood that target components of the cell nucleus. These antibodies are part of your immune system's response and can sometimes mistakenly attack the body's own healthy cells. The test uses a technique called indirect immunofluorescence, where your blood serum is combined with special cells on a slide. If antibodies are present, they bind to the nuclear structures and can be visualized under a fluorescent microscope, revealing a characteristic "intercellular bridge" pattern.
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 undergoes processing. The serum (the liquid part of your blood) is separated and applied to prepared cell slides. A secondary antibody tagged with a fluorescent dye is added, which binds to any nuclear antibodies present. A specialist then examines the slides under a microscope to identify both the pattern and measure the titer (the highest dilution at which antibodies can still be detected).
What do the results mean?
Results are reported in two parts: the titer and the pattern. A positive titer (commonly at 1:40 or higher, depending on the laboratory) indicates the presence of these antibodies. The intercellular bridge pattern specifically refers to fluorescent staining that appears to bridge between adjacent cell nuclei. Your healthcare provider will interpret these results alongside your clinical symptoms, other laboratory tests, and medical history to determine if further investigation or treatment is needed.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
Will the test hurt?
How long does it take to get results?
What happens if my result is positive?
Can this test monitor disease progression?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 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