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Anaspeckledtitrfld

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

This blood test detects a specific pattern of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) that may indicate autoimmune activity affecting the heart or other organs.

Quick summary

{"The test identifies speckled nuclear antibodies in blood or body fluid samples","A positive result may suggest autoimmune conditions like lupus or connective tissue diseases","When cardiac-related, it may help diagnose heart inflammation or valve issues from autoimmune disease","Results are interpreted along with symptoms and other tests","Follow-up testing is often needed to confirm a diagnosis"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
42214-7
Short code
ANA-SPE
Synonyms
ANA Speckled Titr Fld
Category
cardiac
Sample
serum
Container
Serum separator tube (SST/gold top) or plain red top tube
Units
N/A
Ref low
0
Ref high
40
Critical range
— – 10000 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
≥ 18 years
Method
Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) on HEp-2 cells
CPT
86040
SNOMED
108731009
Specimen volume
3-5 mL of blood
Stability
Room temperature: 24-48 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 5-7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Hemolysis max
50
Lipemia max
100
Icterus max
20
TAT
48–168 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The speckled nuclear antibody pattern test is a specialized blood test that looks for a specific type of antinuclear antibody (ANA) in your blood or other body fluids. ANA are proteins that your immune system produces when it mistakenly attacks your own body's cells. The 'speckled' pattern refers to how these antibodies appear under a microscope when the test is performed using immunofluorescence techniques.

How is the test performed?

A healthcare provider will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where technicians will look for the speckled pattern of antinuclear antibodies. In some cases, the test may be performed on other body fluids, such as fluid from around the heart (pericardial fluid) if pericarditis is suspected.

Why might I need this test?

Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms suggesting an autoimmune condition, particularly symptoms affecting the heart such as chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, or signs of heart failure. It is often used to help diagnose conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), mixed connective tissue disease, or autoimmune myocarditis (heart inflammation caused by your immune system).

What do the results mean?

A positive result means that speckled nuclear antibodies were detected in your sample. This can indicate an autoimmune condition, but it does not diagnose a specific disease on its own. Your doctor will interpret this result along with your symptoms, physical examination, and other test results. Sometimes, people without autoimmune diseases may have a positive ANA test, so clinical correlation is essential.

Reference range

Negative at 1:40 titer; Positive results reported with titer (e.g., 1:40, 1:80, 1:160, 1:320, 1:640, 1:1280)N/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Fasting not necessary. Inform laboratory of current medications especially immunosuppressants, as they may affect results.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to fast before this test?
No fasting is typically required for this blood test. You can eat and drink normally before the test unless your doctor gives you other instructions.
Is the test painful?
You may feel a brief pinch or sting when the blood sample is taken. The procedure usually takes only a few minutes. Some people may experience minor bruising at the needle site afterward.
What happens if my result is positive?
A positive result does not mean you have a specific disease. Your doctor will evaluate the result alongside your symptoms and other test findings. You may need additional tests, such as specific antibody tests (like anti-dsDNA, anti-Sm, or anti-RNP), echocardiograms, or other cardiac evaluations to determine the cause.
Can medications affect my test results?
Certain medications, including some blood pressure drugs, antibiotics, and seizure medications, may affect ANA test results. Always inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbs you are taking before the test.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are typically available within a few days to a week, depending on the laboratory. Your doctor's office will contact you with the results or discuss them at your follow-up appointment.
  1. 1
    American College of Rheumatology - ANA TestSource
  2. 2
    Mayo Clinic - ANA TestSource
  3. 3
    National Library of Medicine - ANA PatternsSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy