Fluorescent Immunoassay for Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) in Serum
This test measures antibodies your immune system may produce against parts of your own cells, often linked to autoimmune conditions.
["Helps detect autoimmune diseases by checking for unusual antibodies in your blood."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 108174-4
- Short code
- FLUAV H3 RNA Spec Ql NAA+n-prb
- Synonyms
- FLUAV H3 RNA Spec Ql NAA+n-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
- non-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
Doctors order the ANA test to help find out whether your immune system is mistakenly attacking your own tissues, which can happen in autoimmune conditions such as lupus, Sjögren's syndrome, scleroderma, and related diseases. It is often used when you have symptoms like ongoing joint pain, fatigue, skin rashes, or unexplained fevers.
Doctors may order this test if you have symptoms like joint pain, unexplained rashes, fatigue, or other signs of an autoimmune disorder. It can also be part of routine screening for certain conditions or when evaluating unexplained symptoms.
The test is performed on a small blood sample, usually drawn from a vein in your arm. In the laboratory, the sample is checked for antinuclear antibodies, which are proteins the immune system can produce that react against the nuclei of your body's own cells, and the amount of antibody present is measured.
A small blood sample is taken from your arm. The serum portion is tested using a fluorescent immunoassay, which detects antibodies that bind to nuclear components in cells. Fluorescent dyes highlight these interactions under a microscope.
No special preparation is usually required, and you can normally eat and drink beforehand. Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements you use, since certain medications can influence the result, and mention any recent infection or illness you have had.
No special preparation is needed. You may have a slight bruise or soreness at the injection site, but this usually fades quickly. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before testing if your doctor recommends it.
A negative result usually means no antinuclear antibodies were detected, although very early disease can still be possible. A positive result is reported with a titer, such as 1:80 or 1:160, and a staining pattern. Many healthy people, especially older adults, test positive, so your doctor will interpret the finding together with your symptoms and may order follow-up tests.
Results are qualitative (positive/negative) rather than a specific number. A positive result suggests the presence of ANA, which may indicate an autoimmune condition. However, a negative result does not definitively rule out an autoimmune disease.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
ANA Fluorescence Test
Frequently asked questions
A positive ANA test does not always mean you have an autoimmune disease. It can be found in people with conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders, but it can also appear in healthy individuals or those with infections. Follow-up testing and clinical evaluation are needed to determine the cause and next steps.
A positive ANA test means your blood contains antibodies that target your body’s own cells. This can signal an autoimmune condition, but it doesn’t confirm a diagnosis. Your doctor will likely order additional tests to explore possible causes and guide treatment options.
No, this test is typically done in a clinical or laboratory setting. Blood samples are collected by a healthcare professional to ensure accuracy and safety.
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