Complete Blood Count (CBC): What This Blood Test Measures and What Your Results Mean
The antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is a blood test that detects antibodies that attack the nucleus of cells, commonly used to screen for autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus.
{"The ANA test detects antibodies that may mistakenly attack the body's own cells","It is primarily used to help diagnose autoimmune diseases like lupus","A positive result does not always mean you have a disease","The test uses immunofluorescence with rat kidney tissue to detect antibodies","Follow-up testing is usually needed to confirm a diagnosis"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 44752-4
- Short code
- ANA Ser IF Rat Kidney-aCnc
- Synonyms
- ANA Ser IF Rat Kidney-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-rat-kidney-substrate
- 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 a complete blood count (CBC) test and why might my doctor order it for me?
The Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) test is a blood test that measures the level of antibodies in your blood that target the nucleus of cells. Normally, antibodies protect the body against foreign substances like viruses and bacteria. However, in some people, antibodies may mistakenly attack the body's own healthy cells—this is called an autoimmune response.
How is a complete blood count (CBC) test performed during a routine office visit?
A healthcare provider will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed using a technique called immunofluorescence (IF) with rat kidney tissue. This method allows laboratory technicians to detect and measure ANA antibodies by observing how they react with the kidney tissue under a special microscope.
Do I need to do anything special to prepare for a complete blood count (CBC) test?
Generally, no special preparation is needed for the ANA test. You can eat and drink normally before the test. However, it is important to inform your doctor about any medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you are taking, as some substances may affect test results. Certain drugs, such as hydralazine, procainamide, and some anticonvulsants, may cause a positive ANA result.
What do the results of a complete blood count (CBC) test mean for my overall health?
ANA results are typically reported as a titer (a measure of concentration) and a pattern. A positive ANA test means that antibodies were detected in your blood, but this does not automatically mean you have an autoimmune disease. Many healthy individuals, especially older adults, may have a low-level positive ANA. Your doctor will interpret the results along with your symptoms, physical examination, and other tests to determine if further evaluation is needed.
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, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It may also be helpful in diagnosing other conditions such as scleroderma, Sjögren's syndrome, polymyositis, mixed connective tissue disease, and drug-induced lupus. However, a positive ANA alone is not sufficient for diagnosis—additional specific tests and clinical evaluation are required.
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive ANA test mean I have lupus?
Can medications affect my ANA test results?
What happens if my ANA test is positive?
Is the ANA test painful?
How long does it take to get results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Mayo Clinic - ANA TestSource
- 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