ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) Test
53+ booked in last 3 daysANA (Antinuclear Antibody) Test Overview
Autoimmune disorders are characterized by development of an immune response against self antigen and thus causing self harm. The ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) test is a blood test that searches for autoantibodies, proteins mistakenly produced by your immune system that attack healthy cells. These autoantibodies, particularly if present in high levels, can be a sign of an autoimmune disorder, where the body attacks itself. The ANA test helps diagnose such disorders and may even provide clues about the specific type of autoimmune disease a patient has.
The ANA test, or anti nuclear antibody test, is a blood test used to detect antinuclear antibodies in the body, which may indicate an autoimmune disorder. By identifying abnormal immune responses, the ANA test helps diagnose conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases, guiding further testing and treatment plans based on results.
Reasons for Undergoing the ANA Test
The ANA test is an essential diagnostic tool for identifying possible autoimmune diseases by detecting antibodies attacking the body’s cells. Healthcare providers may order the ANA test for several reasons:
-
Suspected Autoimmune Conditions: When symptoms point to autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's syndrome, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis, the ANA test helps confirm or rule out these conditions.
-
Specific Symptoms: Patients experiencing persistent joint pain, muscle stiffness, fever, a butterfly-shaped facial rash, light sensitivity, unexplained fatigue, or numbness in their extremities may undergo the ANA test to assess if an autoimmune disorder could be causing these issues.
-
Comprehensive Clinical Evaluation: The ANA test is typically part of a broader clinical assessment. It complements the patient’s medical history, physical examination, and other laboratory tests to help healthcare providers develop a detailed understanding of their health and guide the next steps for diagnosis or treatment.
List of Parameters Considered During the ANA Test
The anti-nuclear antibody test measures specific parameters related to the presence and quantity of antinuclear antibodies in the blood. The main parameters considered includes:
-
The presence of ANAs in the blood, which are autoantibodies that mistakenly target and attack cell nuclei, leading to inflammation and tissue damage
-
Determining the ANA titer indicates the highest dilution of blood sample in which ANAs are still present; titers greater than 1:160 are typically considered as positive
-
Further testing for specific autoantibodies associated with particular autoimmune diseases if the initial ANA test is positive
Home Collection for ANA Test Near You
Metropolis Healthcare offers a convenient home sample collection service for the ANA blood test, ensuring comfort, safety, and accuracy. A trained phlebotomist will visit your home to collect the blood sample, maintaining the highest standards for sample handling and testing precision. This service allows you to undergo the ANA test without compromising on the quality of results or needing to visit a clinic.
With Metropolis Healthcare’s dedication to making healthcare accessible and offering reliable diagnostic solutions, you can trust that your ANA test results will be delivered quickly and accurately, enabling you to manage your health from the comfort of your home.
ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) Test Price
Metropolis Healthcare is a leading diagnostics centre and pathology lab in India equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technologies that provides the ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) Test with a clear pricing structure. The ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) Test Price in Mumbai is ₹ 1,050. We are committed to deliver accurate and quality results from the best labs in India with complete transparency regarding test cost and turnaround time. No matter where you are, we strive to offer patients high-quality service that is affordable and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
- 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.
The ANA test is a blood test that detects the presence of any antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) in the bloodstream, which is commonly associated to autoimmune diseases such as lupus, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis
The anti-nuclear antibody test is recommended when a patient exhibits symptoms indicative of autoimmune diseases, such as joint pain, fever, skin rashes, and fatigue, along with other specific clinical signs.
The ANA test is essential for diagnosing and differentiating between autoimmune diseases. When combined with clinical symptoms and other laboratory tests, it gives healthcare providers valuable insights.
A positive ANA test indicates the presence of antinuclear antibodies in the blood, but it does not definitively confirm an autoimmune disease. It can also be seen in healthy individuals, especially older adults.
Yes, up to 15% of healthy adults, particularly those over 65, can have positive ANA tests without any underlying autoimmune condition.
The advantages of the ANA test include early detection of autoimmune diseases, ruling out other possible causes of symptoms, guiding additional specific testing, and tracking the presence of autoantibodies.
No, fasting is not required before undergoing the ANA blood test. However, if additional tests require fasting, your doctor will provide specific instructions.
Yes, home sample collection for the ANA test is available. Labs like Metropolis Healthcare offer the convenience of having a trained phlebotomist visit your home to perform the blood collection
ANA test results are typically ready within 48 hours, depending on when the sample is collected and processed.
Ratings & Reviews (0)
Why Metropolis?
Metropolis has a team of 200 senior pathologists and over 2000 technicians delivering diagnostic solutions in the areas of routine, semi specialty and super specialty domains like Oncology, Neurology, Gynaecology, Nephrology and many more.
We offer a comprehensive range of 4000+ clinical laboratory tests and profiles, which are used for prediction, early detection, diagnostic screening, confirmation and/or monitoring of the disease.