Anapatserimp
The Nuclear Ab pattern test detects antinuclear antibodies in your blood, which may indicate autoimmune diseases.
{"Detects antibodies that attack cell nuclei","Helps diagnose autoimmune conditions like lupus","Positive result does not always mean you have a disease","Results are interpreted along with symptoms and other tests","Sample is collected from a blood draw"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 14611-8
- Short code
- ANA Pat Ser-Imp
- Synonyms
- ANA Pat Ser-Imp
- 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 this test?
The Nuclear Ab pattern test, also known as ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) test, is a blood test that looks for antinuclear antibodies in your serum. These are antibodies that mistakenly target the nucleus of your own cells. The test not only detects the presence of these antibodies but also identifies their specific pattern, which can help healthcare providers determine the type of autoimmune condition you may have.
During the test, a healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from your arm. This sample is then sent to a laboratory where technicians will analyze it using immunofluorescence techniques to detect and classify the antibody patterns.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The ANA test is primarily used as a screening tool for autoimmune diseases. Different patterns of ANA can indicate various conditions: homogeneous (diffuse) pattern is often associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); speckled pattern may suggest SLE, Sjogren's syndrome, or mixed connective tissue disease; nucleolar pattern is commonly seen in systemic sclerosis; and centromere pattern is typically associated with limited scleroderma (CREST syndrome).
A positive ANA result does not automatically mean you have an autoimmune disease. Many healthy individuals, especially older adults, may have low levels of ANA. Results must always be interpreted in conjunction with your clinical symptoms, physical examination findings, and other laboratory tests. Your healthcare provider will consider the titer (strength) of the result, the specific pattern observed, and your overall clinical picture before making any diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
What does a positive result mean?
How long does it take to get results?
Are there any risks from this test?
Do I need to stop taking medications before the test?
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