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Fluorescent Immunoassay for Anti-Nuclear Antibodies (ANA) in Serum

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures antibodies your immune system may produce against proteins in your cell nucleus, often linked to autoimmune conditions.

Quick summary

["Helps diagnose autoimmune diseases by detecting unusual antibodies in your blood."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
55463-4
Short code
FLUAV swine RNA Spec NAA+probe
Synonyms
FLUAV swine 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

What This Test Measures

The test uses a fluorescent probe to detect the presence of anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) in your serum. If antibodies bind to nuclear components in the test sample, they trigger a fluorescent signal that lab technicians can measure.

Why It’s Ordered

Doctors may recommend this test if you have symptoms like joint pain, unexplained fatigue, or skin rashes that could suggest an autoimmune disorder. It’s also used as part of a broader evaluation for conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or scleroderma.

Sample Collection and Preparation

A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The blood is processed to separate serum, which is then tested for ANA using the fluorescent immunoassay method. This process typically takes a few days for results to be analyzed.

What the Results Mean

A positive result indicates the presence of ANA, suggesting your immune system may be attacking your own cells. However, a positive test alone doesn’t confirm a specific autoimmune disease—additional tests and clinical evaluation are needed.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

ANA Fluorescence Probe

Frequently asked questions

What does a positive ANA result mean?
A positive ANA result means your blood contains antibodies that target nuclear components, which may indicate an autoimmune response. This doesn’t always mean you have an active disease, but it may prompt further testing to explore potential conditions.
Can I get this test at home?
No, this test requires a blood sample collected by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting. Home testing kits for ANA are not standard or reliable for diagnostic purposes.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are typically available within 3 to 7 business days, depending on lab processing times and your healthcare provider’s workflow.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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