Antinuclear Antibody Test- Why am I having this test?
Antinuclear Antibody Test is used to help diagnose systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other autoimmune diseases. An autoimmune disease is a disease in which the body’s own defense (immune)system attacks its organs.
What is being tested?
This test checks for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in the blood. The presence of ANA is associated with several autoimmune diseases. It is seen in almost all patients with lupus.
What kind of sample is taken?
A blood sample is required for this test. It is usually collected by inserting a needle into a blood vessel.
How are the results reported?
Your test results will be reported as either positive or negative.
A false-positive result can occur. A false positive is incorrect because it means that a condition is present when it is not.
What do the results mean?
A positive test result may mean that you have:
- Lupus.
- Other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, or Sjögren syndrome.
Conditions that may cause a false-positive result include:
- Liver dysfunction.
- Myasthenia gravis.
- Infectious mononucleosis.
Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.
Questions to ask your health care provider
Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:
- When will my results be ready?
- How will I get my results?
- What are my treatment options?
- What other tests do I need?
- What are my next steps?
Summary
- This is a test that is used to help diagnose systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other autoimmune diseases. An autoimmune disease is a disease in which the body’s own defense (immune)system attacks the body.
- This test checks for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in the blood. The presence of ANA is associated with several autoimmune diseases. It is seen in almost all patients with lupus.
- Your test results will be reported as either positive or negative. Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.
