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Antinuclear antibody panel
ANA; ANA panel; ANA reflexive panel
The antinuclear antibody panel is a blood test that looks at antinuclear
antibodies
(ANA).
Antibodies
An antibody is a protein produced by the body's immune system when it detects harmful substances, called antigens. Examples of antigens include micr...
ANA are substances produced by the immune system that attack the body's own tissues.
How the Test is Performed
Blood is drawn from a vein. Most often, a vein on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand is used. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.
Next, the provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm.
Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.
How to Prepare for the Test
No special preparation is needed. However, certain drugs, including birth control pills, procainamind, and thiazide diurectics, affect the accuracy of this test. Make sure your provider knows about all the medicines you take.
How the Test will Feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the Test is Performed
You may need this test if you have signs of an autoimmune disorder, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus . This test may be done if you have unexplained symptoms such as arthritis , rashes, or chest pain.
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It can af...
Arthritis
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. A joint is the area where 2 bones meet. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis....
Normal Results
Some normal people have a low level of ANA. Thus, the presence of a low level of ANA is not always abnormal.
ANA is reported as a "titer". Low titers are in the range of 1:40 to 1:60. A positive ANA test is much more significant if you also have antibodies against the double-stranded form of DNA.
The presence of ANA does not confirm a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE). However, a lack of ANA makes that diagnosis much less likely.
Although ANA are most often identified with SLE, a positive ANA test can also be a sign of other autoimmune diseases.
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.
Further tests can be run on blood with a positive ANA test to get more information.
What Abnormal Results Mean
The presence of ANA in the blood may be due to:
-
Chronic
liver disease
Liver disease
The term "liver disease" applies to many conditions that stop the liver from working or prevent it from functioning well. Abdominal pain, yellowing ...
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Collagen vascular disease
Collagen vascular disease
In a class of diseases known as autoimmune disorders, the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. Some of these diseases are similar to each o...
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Drug-induced lupus erythematosus
Drug-induced lupus erythematosus
Drug-induced lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disorder that is brought on by a reaction to a medicine.
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Myositis
(inflammatory muscle disease)
Myositis
Myositis is an inflammation or swelling of the muscles. It is usually caused by injury, infection, medicines, or an autoimmune disorder.
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Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term disease. It leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It can also affect other organs....
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Sjögren syndrome
Sjögren syndrome
Sjögren syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the glands that produce tears and saliva are destroyed. This causes dry mouth and dry eyes. The...
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Increased ANA level may sometimes be seen in people with:
-
Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)
Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)
Scleroderma is a disease that involves the buildup of scar-like tissue in the skin and elsewhere in the body. It also damages the cells that line th...
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Risks
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another, and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Considerations
Your doctor will use the results of the ANA panel to help make a diagnosis. The tests alone however do not make a diagnosis, but must be used along with your medical history, physical exam and other tests.
The ANA can be positive in relatives of people with SLE who do not have SLE themselves.
There is a very low chance of developing systemic lupus erythematosus at some time later in life if the only finding is a low titer of ANA.
References
Alberto von Muhlen C, Nakamura RM. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods . 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 51.
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Blood test - illustration
Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.
Blood test
illustration
-
Blood test - illustration
Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.
Blood test
illustration
Review Date: 1/20/2015
Reviewed By: Gordon A. Starkebaum, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
