LAB TEST
Antinuclear antibody panel
The antinuclear antibody panel is a blood test that looks at antinuclear antibodies (ANA). ANA are antibodies produced by the immune system that bind to the body's own tissues. The antinuclear antibody test looks for antibodies that bind to a part of the cell called the nucleus. If the test is positive, a panel of tests may be done to identify specific antibodies. This is the ANA antibody panel.
How the Test is Performed
Blood is drawn from a vein. Most often, a vein on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand is used. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood. Next, the…
How to Prepare for the Test
No special preparation is needed. However, certain drugs, including birth control pills, procainamide, and thiazide diuretics, affect the accuracy of this test. Make sure your provider knows about all the medicines you take.
How the Test will Feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others may feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the Test is Performed
You may need this test if you have signs of an autoimmune disorder, such as unexplained symptoms including arthritis , rashes, fevers or chest pain. Suspected systemic lupus erythematosus may be the most common reason why the test is done.
Normal Results
ANA test results are most often reported in 2 parts: the level or titer and the pattern. Titres are reported in ratios, most often 1:40, 1:80, 1:160, 1:320, and 1:640. Some, but not all labs will report a titre above 1:160 as positive. Patterns that are reported include, homogeneous, speckled, centromere, and others.…
What Abnormal Results Mean
A positive ANA is not enough to make a diagnosis. To diagnose any disease related to a positive ANA, it is important to have: A full assessment by a doctor who specializes in any of the illnesses listed below Further antibody testing, for certain illnesses To make the diagnosis of SLE, the following must be present…
Risks
Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another, and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining blood from some people may be more difficult than from others. Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include: Excessive bleeding Fainting or feeling lightheaded Hematoma (blood…
Considerations
The ANA can be positive in relatives of people with SLE who do not have SLE themselves. There is a very low chance of developing SLE at some time later in life if the only finding is a low titer of ANA.
References
American College of Rheumatology website. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA). rheumatology.org/patients/antinuclear-antibodies-ana . Updated February 2023. Accessed October 03, 2023. Peng SL, Craft JE. Anti-nuclear antibodies. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Gabriel SE, Koretzky GA, McInnes IB, O'Dell JR, eds. Firestein &…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 25/01/2023).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.