Serum or plasma concentration of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) by immunoassay

What Is ANA Testing Used For?

ANA testing is often used as a screening tool to check for autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or other connective tissue disorders. It doesn’t confirm a specific diagnosis but can raise suspicion for further evaluation.

How Is the Test Performed?

A small blood sample is drawn from your arm. The blood is processed to separate serum or plasma, which is then tested for the presence of antinuclear antibodies using an immunoassay method. This method detects antibodies that bind to nuclear components in cells.

What Does a Positive Result Mean?

A positive ANA result means your blood contains abnormal antibodies targeting cell nuclei. While this can occur in autoimmune diseases, it can also be found in healthy people or during infections. A positive result often prompts further testing to narrow down potential conditions.

What Does a Negative Result Mean?

A negative ANA result means no detectable antibodies were found in your sample. However, this does not rule out autoimmune diseases entirely, as some people with autoimmune conditions may have very low or specific types of ANA that aren’t detected by this test alone.