Quantitative Immunoassay for Anti-Nuclear Antibodies (ANA) in Serum/Plasma
This test measures the presence and level of antibodies that target components of a cell’s nucleus, often used to help diagnose autoimmune conditions.
["Helps identify autoimmune diseases by detecting abnormal antibodies in your blood."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 97317-2
- Short code
- EAEC DNA Stl Ql NAA+probe
- Synonyms
- EAEC DNA Stl Ql NAA+probe
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- stool
- Container
- Clean container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- probe-amp-tar
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302774002
- Specimen volume
- 5 g
- Stability
- Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order an ANA test if you have symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, rash, or unexplained fever. It’s commonly used to screen for conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune diseases, though it’s not definitive on its own.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample, usually drawn from your arm. If you’re on blood-thinning medication, let your provider know before the test.
What the Test Results Mean
ANA test results can be positive or negative. A positive result means antibodies were found, which may suggest an autoimmune condition, but it doesn’t confirm a diagnosis. Follow-up tests or clinical evaluation are often needed to determine the cause.
Common Conditions Linked to Positive ANA
A positive ANA result is most commonly associated with autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), Sjögren’s syndrome, or mixed connective tissue disease. Other conditions, such as certain infections or inflammatory diseases, can also cause a positive result.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
While an ANA test is a useful screening tool, it’s not specific to any single disease. A positive result should be interpreted alongside other clinical findings, patient symptoms, and possibly additional tests. False positives can occur, so further evaluation is often required to narrow down potential diagnoses.
Short name
ANA (Serum/Plasma)
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive ANA test mean?
Can lifestyle changes affect ANA test results?
How often will I need this test?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy