Anaserqlhep2subst
The ANA test detects antinuclear antibodies in your blood, which may indicate an autoimmune disorder.
{"The test checks for antibodies that mistakenly attack your own cell nuclei","A positive result may suggest diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or scleroderma","The test uses HEp-2 cells grown in the laboratory as a detection substrate","Further testing is usually needed to confirm a specific diagnosis","Results are reported as a titer (dilution level) and pattern"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 59069-5
- Short code
- ANA Ser Ql HEp2 subst
- Synonyms
- ANA Ser Ql HEp2 subst
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 1.5
- Ref high
- 9
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- hep-substrate
- CPT
- 83002
- 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 the presence of antinuclear antibodies in your serum. These are proteins produced by your immune system that mistakenly target and attack your own body's healthy cell nuclei. The test uses HEp-2 cells (human epithelial cells grown in a laboratory) as the substrate to detect these antibodies. When your blood contains antinuclear antibodies, they will bind to these HEp-2 cells and can be visualized under a microscope after adding special stains.
Why is this test performed?
Your healthcare provider may order an ANA test if you have symptoms suggestive of an autoimmune disorder. Common symptoms include joint pain and swelling, muscle pain, fatigue, fever, rash, hair loss, sensitivity to sunlight, dry eyes or mouth, and chest pain. The test helps doctors screen for conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's syndrome, scleroderma, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, and mixed connective tissue disease.
How is the test done?
A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The blood is then sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed. In the lab, your serum is mixed with HEp-2 cells on a slide. If antinuclear antibodies are present, they will bind to the cell nuclei. A fluorescent dye is added, and the slide is examined under a fluorescence microscope. The technician will report the result as positive or negative, along with a titer (the highest dilution of your blood that still shows a positive reaction) and sometimes a staining pattern.
Understanding your results
A positive ANA test means that antinuclear antibodies were detected in your blood. However, a positive result does not automatically mean you have an autoimmune disease. Some healthy people, especially older adults, may have a low level of ANA without any illness. Your doctor will interpret your result along with your symptoms, physical examination, and other test results to determine if further testing is needed. Specific follow-up tests can identify exactly which type of antinuclear antibody is present, helping to narrow down the possible diagnosis.
Reference range
Follicular: 1.5-9.0 mIU/mLN/A
For females: inform if menstrual cycle status. For certain tests, timing within menstrual cycle may matter.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive ANA test mean I have lupus?
Can medications cause a positive ANA test?
Do I need to fast before this test?
What happens after a positive ANA test?
Can the ANA titer change over time?
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