Fluorescent Immunoassay for Anti-Nuclear Antibodies (ANA) in Serum
This test measures antibodies your immune system may produce against proteins in your cell nucleus, which can help identify certain autoimmune conditions.
["ANA testing helps diagnose autoimmune diseases by detecting unusual antibodies in your blood."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 88193-8
- Short code
- FLUAV RNA Corn/Cnjt Ql NAA+probe
- Synonyms
- FLUAV RNA Corn/Cnjt Ql 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
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order an ANA test if you have symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, rash, or unexplained fever. It’s often used as a screening test for conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample, usually drawn from your arm. The test checks for antibodies in your serum, the liquid part of blood.
What the Test Results Mean
Results are not always definitive on their own. A positive ANA test increases suspicion for autoimmune diseases, but further testing is needed to confirm a diagnosis. Results are often reported as a titer level (e.g., 1:40, 1:160) to show antibody strength.
Common Conditions Linked to ANA
A positive ANA test can signal conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, or mixed connective tissue disease. However, not everyone with these conditions will test positive.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
ANA testing is a broad screening tool. While a positive result raises concern for autoimmune diseases, it doesn’t confirm a diagnosis alone. Follow-up tests, such as specific antibody panels or clinical correlation, are required for accurate diagnosis. False positives can occur, especially in early disease or certain infections.
Short name
ANA Fluorescence Probe
Frequently asked questions
What does an ANA test measure?
How long does it take to get ANA test results?
Can lifestyle changes affect ANA test results?
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