Fluorescent Immunoassay for Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) in Serum
This test detects antibodies in your blood that target proteins in the nucleus of healthy cells, which may indicate certain autoimmune conditions.
["ANA testing helps identify potential autoimmune diseases by checking for abnormal antibodies in your blood."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 55133-3
- Short code
- FLUAV HA cDNA Islt NAA+probe
- Synonyms
- FLUAV HA cDNA Islt NAA+probe
- 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
What This Test Measures
The test uses a fluorescent probe to detect antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in your serum. If these antibodies are present, they bind to specific parts of cell nuclei, and the probe highlights them under a microscope, allowing for detection.
Why It’s Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, rash, or other signs of autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or sjögren’s syndrome. It’s also sometimes used as a screening tool for unexplained symptoms.
The test involves taking a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The serum is then mixed with cells treated to display nuclear components. Fluorescent dye binds to any ANA present, making them visible under a microscope.
ANA testing is typically qualitative, meaning it provides a positive or negative result rather than a specific quantity of antibodies.
Common Uses
This test is often used as a preliminary screening tool to check for autoimmune activity. It doesn’t diagnose a specific disease but can guide further testing if abnormalities are found.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Positive results may suggest autoimmune diseases, but they can also occur in people without these conditions. High levels of ANA are more likely in diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or mixed connective tissue disease. Always discuss results with your doctor, as they may order additional tests for confirmation.
Short name
ANA Fluorescent Probe
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive ANA test mean?
Can a positive ANA test be false positive?
The frequency of this test depends on your symptoms, medical history, and doctor’s recommendations. If you have an autoimmune condition, your doctor may monitor ANA levels periodically to track disease activity or response to treatment.
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