Anaserifacnc
A blood test that detects antinuclear antibodies, which may indicate autoimmune disorders.
{"The ANA test checks for antibodies that attack your own cell nuclei","It helps diagnose autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis","A positive result means antibodies were found but does not confirm a specific disease","The test is performed on a blood sample using immunofluorescence","Follow-up testing is usually needed to determine the exact condition"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 9423-5
- Short code
- ANA Ser IF-aCnc
- Synonyms
- ANA Ser IF-aCnc
- 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 Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) test is a blood test that detects antinuclear antibodies in your blood. These are antibodies that your immune system produces by mistake - they target the nucleus (center) of your own cells. This test uses a technique called immunofluorescence to identify these antibodies.
Why is this test done?
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 helps doctors screen for conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's syndrome, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where technicians use special dyes and a fluorescence microscope to detect and measure the antinuclear antibodies. Results are typically reported as a titer (ratio) and pattern.
What do the results mean?
A positive ANA test means antinuclear antibodies were found in your blood. However, a positive result does not automatically mean you have an autoimmune disease. Some healthy people, especially older adults, may have low levels of ANA. Your doctor will interpret your results along with your symptoms and may order additional tests to confirm a diagnosis.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings2
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before the ANA test?
Does a positive ANA mean I have lupus?
Can medications affect my ANA test results?
How long does it take to get results?
Sources
- 1MedlinePlus - ANA TestSource
- 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