Fluorescent Immunoassay for Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) in Serum
This test measures a type of antibody (antinuclear antibody) that may be present in your blood if your immune system is attacking your own cells, which can signal autoimmune conditions.
["This test helps identify possible autoimmune diseases by detecting antibodies targeting your body’s nuclear material."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 53250-7
- Short code
- FLUAV RNA # Spec NAA+probe
- Synonyms
- FLUAV RNA # Spec 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
Doctors may order this test to investigate symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, rash, or unexplained illnesses that could suggest autoimmune disorders. It’s often used as part of a broader evaluation when other tests or symptoms point toward conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or other connective tissue diseases.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample, usually drawn from your arm. The test looks for antibodies in your serum that bind to parts of your cells, detected through a fluorescent probe method.
What the Test Results Mean
Results are qualitative (positive or negative) rather than a specific number. A positive result means antibodies were detected, which may raise suspicion for autoimmune conditions but isn’t definitive on its own. Follow-up tests or clinical correlation is needed.
Common Conditions Linked to Positive Results
A positive ANA test can be found in many autoimmune diseases, including lupus, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, and mixed connective tissue disease. However, some people without autoimmune disorders may also test positive, so results must be interpreted alongside other symptoms and tests.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Antinuclear antibodies signal that your immune system may be mistakenly attacking your body’s own cells. While a positive ANA test can guide further testing, it doesn’t confirm a diagnosis. Doctors will consider the pattern of antibodies, symptoms, and other test results to narrow down possible conditions.
Short name
ANA Fluorescent Probe Test
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive ANA test mean for my health?
Can a positive ANA test be false positive?
How often should I get this test if I have a positive ANA?
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