ANA Test (Antinuclear Antibody)

Blood Test for Autoimmune Disease Screening

Concerned about autoimmune symptoms?
The ANA Test (Antinuclear Antibody Test) is used to help screen for autoimmune disorders, including lupus (SLE), polymyositis, and other connective tissue diseases.

✔ Screens for autoimmune conditions
✔ Simple blood test
✔ Widely used diagnostic tool

Also Known As

• Antinuclear Antibody (ANA)
• Fluorescent Antinuclear Antibody (FANA)

What This Test Measures

Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA)

This test detects autoantibodies that target the body’s own cells.

📌 The presence of ANA may indicate an autoimmune response

📌 Often used as a first-line screening test for autoimmune diseases

Why Choose This Test?

✅ Helps screen for autoimmune disorders
✅ Supports early detection of conditions like lupus
✅ Useful for evaluating unexplained symptoms
✅ Commonly ordered by healthcare providers

👉 A key first step in identifying autoimmune conditions

Conditions Associated with a Positive ANA

A positive ANA test may be seen in:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Polymyositis / Dermatomyositis
• Sjogren’s syndrome
• Scleroderma
• Other autoimmune disorders

📌 A positive result does not confirm a diagnosis—additional testing is usually required

Related Tests

Your provider may recommend follow-up testing, such as:

• ENA Panel
• Anti-dsDNA
• Anticentromere Antibody
• Complement levels
• AMA (Antimitochondrial Antibodies)

When Should You Get This Test?

Consider this test if you have symptoms such as:

• Joint pain or swelling
• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Skin rashes
• Unexplained inflammation

👉 Typically ordered when a provider suspects an autoimmune condition

How the Test Is Performed

• Blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm
• Quick and routine lab procedure

📌 No special preparation is required

Important Preparation Information

• No fasting required
• Some medications may affect results

📌 Always discuss medications with your healthcare provider before testing

Understanding Your Results

👉 Positive ANA → May indicate an autoimmune process (requires further testing)
👉 Negative ANA → Autoimmune disease less likely (but not completely ruled out)

📌 Results must be interpreted along with symptoms and additional tests

Fast, Reliable Results

Receive a lab-certified report including:

• ANA result
• Reference information
• Clear documentation

Important Information

• This test is used for screening—not diagnosis
• Additional testing is often required to confirm a condition
• Follow up with a healthcare provider for interpretation

Take the First Step in Understanding Your Health

Simple. Informative. Clinically valuable.