Serum or Plasma Immunoassay for Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) with Qualitative Probe Confirmation
This test measures antibodies your immune system produces against components of your cell nucleus, which can help identify autoimmune conditions like lupus or other connective tissue diseases.
["Helps detect autoimmune disorders by checking for unusual antibodies in your blood."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 70293-6
- Short code
- E his+dis+ecua+nutt DNA Spec Ql NAA+prb
- Synonyms
- E his+dis+ecua+nutt DNA Spec Ql NAA+prb
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- probe-amp-tar
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Matters
Autoimmune diseases occur when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in your body. This test looks for specific antibodies (antinuclear antibodies) that can target parts of your cells, including the nucleus. These antibodies are often found in conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or scleroderma.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a blood draw, and the sample will be tested for the presence of these antibodies. Results may be qualitative (positive or negative) or confirmatory to narrow down potential causes.
Common Conditions Linked to Positive Results
Positive results can signal autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, or mixed connective tissue disease. However, some people without autoimmune conditions may also test positive.
What the Results Mean
A positive result suggests a higher likelihood of an autoimmune condition, but it doesn’t confirm a diagnosis alone. Follow-up tests or clinical evaluation by your healthcare provider may be needed to determine the exact cause.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is critical for diagnosing autoimmune diseases by identifying markers that signal the immune system’s abnormal activity. While not definitive on its own, it guides further testing and treatment planning to manage symptoms and slow disease progression.
Short name
ANA Screening/Confirmation
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive ANA test mean?
Can lifestyle changes affect ANA test results?
How often should I get 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy