The ANA test is a blood test used to detect autoimmune antibodies that mistakenly attack components of the nucleus in the body’s own cells. Primarily employed as a screening tool, it aids in diagnosing autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, and scleroderma.
In this test, the patient’s blood sample is combined with laboratory-grown cells. The presence of antibodies is identified through:
· Fluorescence patterns (e.g., homogeneous, speckled, or centromere)
· Titer (antibody concentration)
A positive result does not necessarily confirm disease, as a small percentage of healthy individuals (particularly the elderly) may also test positive. Interpretation must be correlated with clinical symptoms and supplementary tests (e.g., anti-dsDNA or ENA panel). If positive, the physician will recommend further investigations to confirm the diagnosis and determine the specific autoimmune disorder.
