ANA Profile Test

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

Your doctor may recommend this test for you if he sees the symptoms of systemic auto immune disease which include:

• Low-grade fever
• Persistent fatigue, weakness
• Joint pain
• Red rash
• Skin sensitivity to light
• Hair loss
• Muscle pain
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are a group of antibodies produced by an individual's system when it fails to adequately distinguish between "self" and "nonself." These antibodies, referred to 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 could also be a marker of an autoimmune process and is related to several autoimmune disease s but is most ordinarily seen with the autoimmune disorder systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
The ANA test is one among the first tests for helping to diagnose a suspected autoimmune disease or ruling out other conditions with similar signs and symptoms. As such, it's often followed by other tests for autoantibodies which will help to determine a diagnosis. These may include, for instance, an ENA panel, anti-dsDNA, anti-centromere and/or anti-histone test.

The ANA Profile with Antibody to SSA, SSB, SM, JO1, U1SNRNP, Centromere, RNP-SM, SCL-70, and dsDNA is a test that is done for various reasons, including:

• To help diagnose autoimmune diseases such as lupus, Sjogren's syndrome, and scleroderma.
• To monitor the progression of these diseases over time and to assess their response to treatment.
• To differentiate between different types of autoimmune diseases, as each disease has a unique ANA profile.
• To evaluate patients who present with symptoms such as joint pain, muscle weakness, or skin rashes that may be associated with autoimmune disease.
• To evaluate patients with symptoms suggestive of interstitial lung disease, as some of the antibodies included in this panel are associated with this condition.
• To evaluate patients with symptoms suggestive of Raynaud's phenomenon, as some of the antibodies included in this panel are associated with this condition.
• To help diagnose mixed connective tissue disease, a rare autoimmune disease that shares features of lupus, scleroderma, and polymyositis.
• To evaluate patients with symptoms suggestive of inflammatory myopathies, as some of the antibodies included in this panel are associated with this condition.
• To evaluate patients with symptoms suggestive of systemic vasculitis, as some of the antibodies included in this panel are associated with this condition.
• To help diagnose and manage patients with autoimmune liver diseases such as autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis, as some of the antibodies included in this panel are associated with these conditions.

The different antibodies that are included in an ANA profile test:

• Antibody to SSA (Sjögren's syndrome A) and SSB (Sjögren's syndrome B): These antibodies are associated with Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the salivary glands and tear ducts.
• Antibody to SM (Smith): This antibody is associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease that can affect many different organs and tissues in the body.
• Antibody to JO1 (histidyl-tRNA synthetase): This antibody is associated with polymyositis and dermatomyositis, two autoimmune diseases that affect the muscles and skin.
• Antibody to U1SNRNP (U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein): This antibody is associated with mixed connective tissue disease, an autoimmune disease that can affect many different parts of the body, including the joints, muscles, and organs.
• Antibody to centromere: This antibody is associated with CREST syndrome, a type of scleroderma that primarily affects the skin, digestive system, and lungs.
• Antibody to RNP-SM (ribonucleoprotein-Smith): This antibody is associated with mixed connective tissue disease, as well as SLE and other autoimmune diseases.
• Antibody to SCL-70 (topoisomerase): This antibody is associated with diffuse systemic scleroderma, a type of scleroderma that affects the skin and internal organs.
• Antibody to ds DNA (double-stranded DNA): This antibody is associated with SLE and other autoimmune diseases.

This test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.

If the results of the ANA Profile with Antibody to SSA, SSB, SM, JO1, U1SNRNP, Centromere, RNP-SM, SCL-70, and dsDNA are abnormal, it may indicate the presence of an autoimmune disease. The specific pattern of abnormalities in the test results can provide important clues to the type of autoimmune disease that may be present.

In this case, the patient would typically be referred to a specialist, such as a rheumatologist or immunologist, for further evaluation and diagnosis.

Treatment for autoimmune diseases typically involves medications that suppress the immune system, such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, or biologic therapies. In addition, lifestyle changes, such as exercise and a healthy diet, may also be recommended.

The ANA Profile with Antibody to SSA, SSB, SM, JO1, U1SNRNP, Centromere, RNP-SM, SCL-70, and dsDNA test is a simple blood test that can be done without any specific preparations. However, it is always a good idea to check with your healthcare provider for any specific instructions they may have.

Doctors may order an ANA profile with specific antibody testing if they suspect a patient has an autoimmune disease, such as lupus, Sjogren's syndrome, scleroderma, polymyositis/ dermatomyositis, mixed connective tissue disease, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Symptoms of these diseases can include joint pain, muscle weakness, fatigue, rashes, mouth dryness, and eye dryness.

Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) Test

Centromere

Small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNP)

Double-stranded DNA (dsDNA)

ANA-immunofluorescence (ANA-IF)

Sjögren's syndrome-A (SS-A)

Sjögren's syndrome-B (SS-B)

Smith Antibody (Sm IgG antibody)

Ribonucleoprotein Smith Antibody (RNP-Sm Antibody)

Jo1

Scl70