Back Blood-tests Explained


ANA


At a Glance

Why Get Tested?

To evaluate for certain autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjogren syndrome, among other types

When to Get Tested?

When your healthcare provider thinks that you have symptoms of an autoimmune disorder

Sample Required?

A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm

Test Preparation Needed?

None

The Test Sample

What is being tested?

Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are a group of antibodies produced by a person's immune system when it fails to adequately distinguish between "self" and "nonself." These antibodies, known as autoantibodies, attack the body's own healthy cells and cause signs and symptoms such as tissue and organ inflammation, joint and muscle pain, and fatigue. ANA specifically target substances found in the nucleus of a cell, hence the name "antinuclear." The ANA test identifies the presence of these autoantibodies in the blood.

The presence of ANA may be a marker of an autoimmune process and is associated with several autoimmune disorders but is most commonly seen with the autoimmune disorder systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

The ANA test is one of the primary tests for helping to diagnose a suspected autoimmune disorder or ruling out other conditions with similar signs and symptoms. As such, it is often followed by other tests for autoantibodies that may help to establish a diagnosis. These may include, for example, an ENA panel, anti-dsDNA, anti-centromere and/or anti-histone test.

How is the sample collected for testing?

A blood sample is taken by needle from a vein in the arm.

Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?

No test preparation is needed.

The Test



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