Anaspeckledtitrser
A blood test that detects a specific pattern of antinuclear antibodies in your blood, helping doctors evaluate for certain autoimmune disorders.
{"The test looks for 'speckled pattern' antibodies in your blood","It helps diagnose autoimmune conditions like lupus and Sjögren's syndrome","Results are reported as a titer (ratio) indicating antibody concentration","A positive result means antibodies were found but does not always mean you have a disease","Your doctor will interpret results along with your symptoms and other tests"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 20401-6
- Short code
- ANA-SP
- Synonyms
- ANA Speckled Titr Ser
- Category
- cardiac
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or plain red top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 40
- Ref high
- 1
- 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
- 86050
- SNOMED
- 26956004
- Specimen volume
- 3-5 mL of venous blood
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Speckled Nuclear Antibody test is a specialized blood test that detects antinuclear antibodies (ANA) showing a 'speckled' pattern under microscope examination. These antibodies are proteins that mistakenly target your own cell nuclei. The test is performed on a blood sample (serum) and results are given as a titer, which indicates how much the blood sample can be diluted still showing a positive result.
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 it is analyzed using immunofluorescence techniques to detect the speckled antibody pattern. The results are reported as a titer (such as 1:40, 1:160, 1:320) - the higher the number, the more antibodies were detected.
Why might I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms suggesting an autoimmune disorder, such as joint pain, fatigue, skin rashes, fever, or unexplained inflammation. The speckled pattern is commonly associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's syndrome, systemic sclerosis, and mixed connective tissue disease.
What do the results mean?
A positive result means antinuclear antibodies with the speckled pattern were detected in your blood. However, a positive test does not automatically mean you have a disease. Some healthy people, especially older adults, may have low levels of these antibodies. Your doctor will interpret your result together with your symptoms, physical examination, and other laboratory tests to determine if treatment is needed.
Reference range
Negative: <1:40; Low positive: 1:40-1:80; Moderate positive: 1:160-1:320; High positive: >1:320N/A
No fasting required. No special preparation needed. Inform healthcare provider of any medications, especially immunosuppressants or steroids, 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?
Can medications affect the test results?
What is a normal result?
If my test is positive, do I have an autoimmune disease?
Will I need repeat testing?
Sources
- 1Mayo Clinic - ANA testSource
- 2
- 3Lab Tests Online - ANASource
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy