Overview
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are identified in your blood by an ANA test. Typically, your immune system produces antibodies to aid in the fight against infection. Antibodies
Your immune system produces these proteins to fight off bacteria, viruses, and other germs. In contrast, antinuclear antibodies frequently attack the tissues in your body, specifically the nuclei of each cell.
But, occasionally your immune system may misinterpret certain components of your body for alien invaders. It discharges specialized antibodies known as “autoantibodies,” which assault your tissues and cells. Your joints, skin, muscles, and other body parts can suffer harm from autoantibodies. Moreover, they may indicate autoimmune disorders.
A positive ANA test typically means that your immune system has initiated an autoimmune reaction or a misdirected attack on your own tissue. Yet, some individuals test positive for ANA even when they are healthy.
If your doctor suspects that you have an autoimmune disease like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or scleroderma, they will probably prescribe an ANA test.
Why is it done?
Joint discomfort, tiredness, and fever are common symptoms of many rheumatic disorders.
An ANA test can rule out some disorders but cannot confirm a particular diagnosis. Additionally, your blood can be examined for the presence of specific Antinuclear antibodies, some of which are linked to particular disorders, if the ANA test is positive.
What conditions can result in a positive ANA?
The autoimmune inflammatory disorders systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren’s syndrome, scleroderma, and mixed connective tissue disease can all be accompanied by a positive ANA test.
There are some people who might test falsely positive for ANA without having any underlying autoimmune disorders.
Why do I need to take this test?
If you exhibit signs of an autoimmune condition, including but not limited to:
- Discomfort, stiffness, or swelling in the joints or the muscles
- Tiredness
- Persistent or recurring fever
- A butterfly-shaped red rash over the cheeks and bridge of the nose
- Weakness
- Sensitivity to light
- Tingling and numbness in your hands or feet
- Hair fall
How do you get ready?
You must provide a sample of blood for an ANA test. You can generally eat and drink before the test if your sample is just being used for an ANA test. You might need to fast for a while before to the test if your blood sample will be used for extra examinations. You’ll receive instructions from your doctor.
Bring a list of your medications to your doctor, as some medications can influence the test’s accuracy.
Results
Antinuclear antibodies are a sign of a successful test. But, a positive result does not necessarily indicate that you are ill. Many individuals over the age of 65-year-old women over the age of 65-year-old women over 65-year-old women over the age of ANA
Antinuclear antibodies have been linked to the development of some infectious illnesses, malignancies, and medications.
Your doctor will probably request a number of tests if they have a suspicion that you have an autoimmune condition. One piece of information your doctor can use to assist in figuring out the origin of your signs and symptoms is the outcome of your ANA test.
Do I require any additional tests?
The ANA test cannot identify the precise autoimmune disease you may have; it can only indicate that you may have one. Your doctor may conduct additional testing if your ANA test is positive to look for ANAs specific to certain disorders, such as:
- Scleroderma is diagnosed using an anti-centromere test.
- Lupus is identified via an Anti-Double-Stranded DNA (Anti-DSDNA) test.
- The diagnosis of lupus brought on by medication you took is made by an anti-histone test.
- Your doctor can identify the autoimmune illness you have with an Ana panel.
Be sure you comprehend the ANA test results. Find out what additional tests are required to confirm your diagnosis. Moreover, learn how the findings of your tests will impact your treatment.