What does the Antinuclear Antibody - ANA blood test mean? Get a free analysis of your blood test now. Here's what you get with our free analysis:
The Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) test is used to detect autoantibodies that target the nucleus of cells. It's a primary screening tool for various autoimmune disorders, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A positive ANA result suggests the presence of autoantibodies, which may indicate an autoimmune condition. However, it's important to note that some healthy individuals may have a positive ANA without any disease. The test is typically reported as a titer, with higher titers generally indicating a higher likelihood of autoimmune disease. Additional specific antibody tests are often performed to confirm and identify the particular autoimmune condition if ANA is positive.
A negative or low ANA result (below the range_lower) is generally considered normal and suggests that autoantibodies targeting cell nuclei are not present in significant amounts. This usually indicates a low likelihood of systemic autoimmune diseases. However, it’s important to note that some individuals with autoimmune conditions may occasionally have negative ANA results, especially in early stages or mild cases. If symptoms persist, further testing or clinical evaluation may be necessary.
A high ANA result (above the range_upper) indicates the presence of significant levels of autoantibodies targeting cell nuclei. This suggests an increased likelihood of an autoimmune disorder, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but can also be associated with other conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, scleroderma, or mixed connective tissue disease. However, some healthy individuals, especially older adults and women, may have positive ANA without disease. Further specific antibody tests and clinical evaluation are typically needed to confirm a diagnosis and determine the specific autoimmune condition.