Understanding Your Laboratory Test: What It Is, How It Is Done, and How to Prepare

What is this test? This test is a laboratory examination that helps your healthcare provider evaluate how your body is working and look for signs of illness. It may be ordered to confirm a diagnosis, monitor a condition you already have, or screen for health problems before symptoms appear. Your provider will interpret the results together with your medical history, physical examination, and any symptoms you are experiencing.

The Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) test is a blood test that looks for antinuclear antibodies in your blood. Antibodies are proteins made by your immune system to fight foreign substances like viruses and bacteria. However, sometimes the immune system mistakenly produces antibodies that attack the body's own healthy cells - these are called autoantibodies.

Antinuclear antibodies target the nucleus (center) of cells. This test uses rodent liver or kidney tissue as the substrate to detect whether these antibodies are present in your blood. The test is performed using a technique called immunofluorescence.

How is the test performed? The test is performed by a trained member of our healthcare team, usually in an office or laboratory setting. Depending on what your provider has ordered, a small sample of blood, urine, or other body material may be collected, or the test may be completed with a specialized medical device. The collection process is typically quick, and most people can return to their normal activities right afterward.

A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed. The laboratory will look for antibodies that react with the rodent tissue substrate and report the results as a titer (a measure of how diluted the blood can be and still show a positive result) and a staining pattern.

Do I need to prepare for the test? Some tests require simple preparation, such as fasting for a set number of hours, avoiding certain foods or drinks, or temporarily pausing a medication your provider has identified. Your healthcare team will give you specific instructions before your appointment, so please follow them carefully. Also let our staff know about all medications, supplements, and allergies you have so the test can be done safely.

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 you are taking, as some drugs can affect test results.