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Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA) Profile by Immunofluorescence

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

This test measures antibodies that may indicate an autoimmune condition, where your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. It’s often used to help diagnose conditions like lupus or other connective tissue diseases.

Quick summary

["A simple blood test to check for signs of autoimmune diseases."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
105067-3
Short code
G lamblia DNA Stl Ql
Synonyms
G lamblia DNA Stl Ql
Category
chemistry
Sample
stool
Container
Clean container
Units
N/A
Ref low
10
Ref high
40
Critical range
— – 500 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
84484
SNOMED
302774002
Specimen volume
5 g
Stability
Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Is Done

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, rash, or unexplained fever. It can also be part of routine check-ups for certain risk factors (e.g., family history of autoimmune diseases).

What to Expect During the Test

A small blood sample is taken from your arm. The blood is then processed and tested for specific antibodies that bind to nuclear parts of cells under a microscope. Results help guide further testing if needed.

What the Results Mean

Results are qualitative (positive/negative) rather than numeric. A positive result suggests potential autoimmune activity, but it doesn’t confirm a diagnosis alone. Follow-up tests may include additional antibody panels or clinical correlation.

Common Conditions Linked to Positive Results

Positive ANA results are common in autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, or scleroderma. However, some healthy people also test positive, so results must be interpreted with clinical context.

Reference range

Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A

Specimen: stool

No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

ANA Screening Test

Frequently asked questions

What does a positive ANA test mean?
A positive ANA test indicates the presence of antibodies that may target your body’s own cells, suggesting an autoimmune process. This doesn’t mean you have a disease yet, but it may prompt further evaluation.
Can I get this test at home?
No, this test requires a blood sample collected by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting. Home tests for ANA are not standard or reliable.
How often should I get this test?
Frequency depends on your symptoms and medical history. Your provider will determine if repeat testing is needed, especially if you have ongoing symptoms or risk factors for autoimmune diseases.
  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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy