Skip to content

Serum or Plasma Substance Concentration (Qualitative) for Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) by Immunofluorescence Probe

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

This test checks for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in your blood, which may indicate certain autoimmune conditions.

Quick summary

["ANA testing helps identify potential autoimmune diseases by detecting antibodies targeting your body’s own cells."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
79448-7
Short code
SA+MRSA Pnl Nose NAA+probe
Synonyms
SA+MRSA Pnl Nose 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 Is an ANA Test Used For?

ANA tests are primarily used to screen for autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or scleroderma. They help doctors determine if your immune system is mistakenly attacking healthy cells in your body. This test is often part of an initial evaluation when symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, or unexplained rashes are present.

How Is the ANA Test Performed?

A small blood sample is drawn from your arm. The serum or plasma is then tested using a special immunofluorescent probe to detect the presence of ANAs. The result is reported as either positive or negative, depending on whether antibodies are found.

What Does a Positive ANA Test Mean?

A positive ANA test means your blood contains antinuclear antibodies, which may suggest an autoimmune condition. However, a positive result does not definitively diagnose a disease. Follow-up tests and clinical evaluation are needed to determine the exact cause of your symptoms.

When Might You Need This Test?

Your doctor may recommend an ANA test if you have symptoms like joint pain, unexplained fatigue, skin rashes, or other signs of autoimmune disease. It is also used as part of routine monitoring for patients with known autoimmune conditions.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance: ANA Testing in Autoimmune Disease Diagnosis

Short name

ANA Qualitative

Frequently asked questions

Why do doctors order an ANA test?
Doctors order an ANA test to identify potential autoimmune diseases, as these antibodies can appear in conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), mixed connective tissue disease, or other autoimmune disorders. While ANA is a common screening tool, it is not specific to any single disease.
What if my ANA test is positive but I don’t have symptoms?
A positive ANA test alone does not mean you have an autoimmune disease. Many people test positive without symptoms, and the test can be false positive. Further testing, including specific antibody titers and clinical correlation, is needed to determine the next steps.
Can the ANA test be used to monitor treatment?
Yes, an ANA test can be used to monitor certain autoimmune diseases over time. If your condition is stable, your doctor may repeat the test to check for changes in antibody levels, which can help assess treatment effectiveness or disease activity.
  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