Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Titer, HEp-2 Immunofluorescence, Serum — With Reflex to Titer
A blood test that screens for antinuclear antibodies, which are proteins often associated with autoimmune conditions.
["A positive ANA result may support an autoimmune diagnosis, but it can also occur in healthy people and must be interpreted with symptoms and other tests."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 82851-7
- Short code
- An+Et/THE+THF+5a-THF Ur-sRto
- Synonyms
- An+Et/THE+THF+5a-THF Ur-sRto
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This test measures or screens for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in blood using HEp-2 cells and immunofluorescence. If the screening result is positive, the laboratory may perform a reflex test to determine the antibody titer.
Why might I need this test?
Clinicians may order an ANA test when symptoms suggest an autoimmune condition, such as joint pain, unexplained rashes, fatigue, fever, or problems involving several organs. The result helps guide which more specific antibody tests may be needed.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is drawn and examined in the laboratory. The laboratory looks for a characteristic pattern of fluorescence in cells exposed to the patient's serum; a positive screen may be followed by a titer measurement.
How do I prepare for the test?
This test usually requires no special preparation. Tell your clinician if you are taking medicines that suppress the immune system, because these can affect the result, and follow any instructions specific to your laboratory or illness.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A positive ANA result indicates that antinuclear antibodies were detected, but it does not by itself identify a particular disease. ANA antibodies may be present in autoimmune conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, or mixed connective-tissue disease. They can also occur in healthy people, with infections, or with certain medicines, so results must be interpreted alongside symptoms, examination findings, and more specific laboratory tests.
Short name
ANA Titer with Reflex
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive ANA result mean I have an autoimmune disease?
What does the ANA titer mean?
What happens if my ANA screen is positive?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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