ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) Test

• To diagnose autoimmune disorders: ANA tests are done to see if your immune system is producing autoantibodies, a sign you might have an autoimmune disease like lupus, Sjogren's syndrome, or rheumatoid arthritis.
• To identify the specific type of autoimmune disease: While a positive ANA test suggests an autoimmune issue, it can't pinpoint the exact condition. Further tests may be needed based on the ANA results.
• To monitor existing autoimmune disease: If you've already been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, an ANA test can be used to monitor disease activity.

The test measures the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in blood.

The blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

• ANA positive result: Further tests for the presence of particular antinuclear antibodies, some of which are specific to certain diseases are advised.
• ANA test is positive in the following autoimmune conditions: systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease particularly systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren syndrome, mixed connective tissue disease, discoid lupus erythematosus, drug-induced lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, CREST syndrome (calcinosis, Raynaud’s phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, telangiectasia) and idiopathic inflammatory myopathies.
• Based on the autoantibodies present against the specific antigen, the autoimmune disorder can be diagnosed.
• ANA negative results do not rule out all autoimmune diseases.
• A positive result doesn't necessarily indicate an autoimmune disease, many women older than 60, some infectious diseases, cancers, and certain drugs have been associated with antinuclear antibodies.