ANA

An ANA test is a blood test that looks for antinuclear antibodies in your blood. Antibodies are proteins that your immune system makes to fight foreign substances, such as viruses and bacteria. But an antinuclear antibody attacks your own healthy cells instead. It's called "antinuclear" because it targets the nucleus (center) of the cells.

ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) Test

What is an ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) Test?

An ANA test is a blood test that looks for antinuclear antibodies in your blood. Antibodies are proteins that your immune system makes to fight foreign substances, such as viruses and bacteria. But an antinuclear antibody attacks your own healthy cells instead. It's called "antinuclear" because it targets the nucleus (center) of the cells.

It's normal to have a few antinuclear antibodies in your blood. But a large number may be a sign of an autoimmune disorder. If you have an autoimmune disorder, your immune system attacks the cells of your organs and tissues by mistake. These disorders can cause serious health problems.

Other names: antinuclear antibody panel, fluorescent antinuclear antibody, FANA, ANA, ANA reflexive panel

What is it used for?

An ANA test is used to help diagnose autoimmune disorders, such as:

1. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common type of lupus. Lupus is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that affects many parts of the body, including the joints, skin, heart, lungs, blood vessels, kidneys, and brain.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis, a condition that mostly affects joints, causing pain and swelling often in the wrists, hands, and feet.
3. Scleroderma, a rare disease that may affect the skin, blood vessels, and organs.
4. Sjögren's syndrome, a rare disease that affects the glands that make tears and saliva (spit) and other parts of the body.
5. Addison Disease, which affects your adrenal glands, causing fatigue and weakness.
6. Autoimmune hepatitis, which causes swelling in your liver.

Why do I need an ANA test?

Your health care provider may order an ANA test if you have symptoms of an autoimmune disorder. The symptoms depend on the part of the body that's affected. They may include:

1. Fever
2. Rash, blisters, or skin color changes
3. Fatigue
4. Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling
5. Muscle pain

What happens during an ANA test?

A health care professional will take a blood sample 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.