Antinuclear antibody test is a diagnostic test which is used to identify diseases or disorders where in the human body starts producing antibodies against the self. Such a reaction is also referred to as an autoimmune response. Under normal circumstances the body’s defense system produces certain proteins called as antibodies to combat the infection. Whereas in certain autoimmune diseases the body starts producing antibodies against its own cells. An antinuclear antibody test, commonly known as the ANA test is a test which measures these auto antibodies in the blood circulation.
When is an antinuclear antibody (ANA) test advised ?
An ANA test is used to identify any autoimmune disease which could be symptomatic or asymptomatic. Few of the autoimmune diseases where the ANA levels are elevated in the blood are mentioned as under.
- Rheumatic Fever
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Scleroderma
- Autoimmune Thyroid Conditions
- Sjogrens Syndrome
- Myositis
- Dermatomyositis
- CREST Syndrome
- Chronic Liver Disease
- Connective Tissue Disorders
(you can ask your treating doctor to explain you in brief about these above mentioned autoimmune diseases)
Is antinuclear antibody (ANA) test alone confirmatory for an autoimmune disease ?
No, ANA test just measures the levels of autoantibodies in the blood circulation and is not confirmatory of any autoimmune disease. ANA test is usually performed along with physical and clinical examination along with a detailed history taking. If the ANA titer is elevated other tests are done to confirm the type of autoimmune disease.
How do you prepare for antinuclear antibody (ANA) test ?
An ANA test is performed in a medical/pathology laboratory without much preparation. Your treating doctor will tell you if you need to do get a fasting sample or else a normal sample in most of the cases.
How is antinuclear antibody (ANA) test performed ?
The ANA test is performed in a pathology lab were a pathologist or a technician will draw blood from your forearm. The collected sample is sent for interpretation and results.
How do you interpret an antinuclear antibody (ANA) test results ?
ANA value of 1 IU (international units) or more is suggestive of a connective tissue disorder or an autoimmune disease. A value of more than 6 IU is strongly suggestive of an autoimmune disease. For example, a positive ANA test means the person could be affected with lupus whereas a negative test means person does not have lupus. Other tests and clinical tests could be done to confirm the presence of lupus.
What are the risks associated with antinuclear antibody (ANA) test ?
ANA test is performed like a normal blood test and hence chances of any complications are rare.
Certain complications like bleeding, puncturing of the vein, blood clot, infection or feeling of lightheadedness can occur in certain individuals.
ANA test is just a test to detect the autoantibodies in circulation and could or could not be always associated with a disease. ANA tests results should always be correlated with detailed medical history, clinical symptoms, and confirmatory investigations.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
