Complete Blood Count (CBC)

What is this test? A complete blood count, also called a CBC, is a common blood test that measures the different cells in your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. These cells carry oxygen, fight infection, and help your blood clot the way it should.

The Nuclear Antibody test, also known as ANA (Antinuclear Antibody), detects specific proteins called antibodies in your blood. Normally, your immune system makes antibodies to fight off harmful substances like viruses and bacteria. However, sometimes your immune system can mistakenly make antibodies that attack your own body's healthy cells—this is called an autoimmune response.

Why is it done? This test is often part of a routine checkup to assess your overall health. It can also help find the cause of symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, fever, or unusual bruising, diagnose conditions like anemia or infection, and monitor how a treatment or medication is working over time.

Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms suggesting an autoimmune disorder, such as joint pain, fatigue, skin rashes, fever, or unexplained inflammation in the body. When the test is performed on peritoneal fluid (fluid from the abdominal cavity), it may help identify autoimmune conditions that specifically affect the peritoneum or abdominal lining.

How is the sample collected? A member of your care team will draw a small amount of blood, usually from a vein on the inside of your elbow or the back of your hand. The site is cleaned, a needle is inserted, and the blood is collected into a tube. The process takes only a few minutes, and a bandage is placed on the site afterward.

For this test, a healthcare professional will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The blood is then sent to a laboratory where technicians look for antinuclear antibodies. In some cases, peritoneal fluid may also be tested if your doctor suspects abdominal involvement of an autoimmune condition.

Understanding your results. Your report will list a measured value for each blood cell type along with a reference range, which is the usual range seen in healthy people. Values that are higher or lower than this range can point to many different conditions, so it is important to review your results with your doctor, who can explain what they mean for your health.

A positive result means that antinuclear antibodies were found in your sample. However, a positive result does not always mean you have a disease. Some healthy people, especially older adults, may have low levels of these antibodies. Your doctor will interpret your results along with your symptoms and other test results to make an accurate diagnosis.