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Immunoassay for Anti-Nuclear Antibodies (ANA) with Serum

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test checks for antibodies that may indicate certain autoimmune conditions by examining your blood serum.

Quick summary

["ANA tests help identify possible autoimmune diseases by detecting abnormal proteins in your blood."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
17570-3
Short code
ENA Scl70 IgG Ser Ql IA
Synonyms
ENA Scl70 IgG Ser Ql IA
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
ia
CPT
82784
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 Might Be Ordered

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, rash, or unexplained illnesses. It’s also used to monitor autoimmune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or scleroderma.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the draw if your lab requires it. Bring any medications or a list of current medications to your appointment.

How the Test Works

A small sample of your blood is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The serum portion is then tested for specific antibodies against nuclear components in cells, often using a fluorescent or colorimetric method.

Possible Results and Next Steps

Results are reported as either positive or negative for ANA. A positive result doesn’t always mean you have an autoimmune disease—it may require further testing to determine the cause.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

ANA testing is a common screening tool for autoimmune disorders. Elevated levels may suggest conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), mixed connective tissue disease, or other inflammatory diseases. However, false positives can occur, so follow-up testing may be needed to clarify diagnosis.

Short name

ANA (Serum)

Frequently asked questions

What does a positive ANA result mean?
A positive ANA result indicates the presence of antibodies against nuclear components in cells, which can be a sign of an autoimmune condition. However, it doesn’t confirm a diagnosis—additional tests are needed to determine the specific cause and next steps.
Will I need more tests if my ANA is positive?
Yes, further testing may be recommended to identify the specific type of autoimmune disease, such as checking for antibodies like anti-dsDNA (for lupus) or anti-Smith antibodies. Your doctor will guide you on the next steps based on your symptoms and test results.
Can lifestyle changes affect ANA test results?
No, ANA test results are based on the presence of antibodies in your blood and are not influenced by lifestyle factors like diet or exercise. However, managing symptoms of autoimmune conditions often involves lifestyle adjustments recommended by your healthcare provider.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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