Fluorescent Immunoassay for Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) in Serum
This test measures antibodies in your blood that may indicate an autoimmune condition, where your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells.
["ANA testing helps identify possible autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 105075-6
- Short code
- FLUAV RNA Spec Ql
- Synonyms
- FLUAV RNA Spec Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 Does This Test Measure?
The test detects antinuclear antibodies (ANA) using a fluorescent immunoassay. A sample of your serum is exposed to antibodies against nuclear components of cells. If your body produces ANA, they will bind to these targets, making them glow under a microscope. The brightness of the glow indicates the presence and level of these antibodies.
Why Might This Test Be Ordered?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, rash, or other signs of autoimmune diseases. It’s often used as a screening tool to check for conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren’s syndrome, or mixed connective tissue disease.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this blood test. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. The process usually takes a few minutes, and you can resume normal activities afterward.
What Are Possible Results?
Results are reported as a positive or negative for ANA presence. A positive result means antibodies were detected, which may suggest an autoimmune condition. However, a positive test alone does not confirm a diagnosis. Follow-up testing and clinical evaluation are needed to determine the cause.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
ANA testing is a key part of diagnosing autoimmune diseases. While many people with positive ANA results do not have an autoimmune condition, it can help guide further testing and treatment plans. High or specific patterns of ANA can point toward certain diseases, such as lupus or scleroderma, helping healthcare providers tailor treatment options.
Short name
ANA Fluorescence Test
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive ANA test mean?
Can lifestyle changes affect ANA test results?
How often should I get this test if I have a positive result?
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