An antinuclear antibody test (ANA) is a blood examination to detect the presence of antinuclear antibodies in the blood. The immune system makes immunoglobulins to fight against antigens like bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances. In contrast, some antibodies attack the body’s cells, tissues, and organs. Some of these are called antinuclear because they attack the healthy proteins within the nucleus. Here you will find all the information about antinuclear antibody tests.

What is an Antinuclear antibody test?
An antinuclear antibody test detects, measures, and evaluates antinuclear antibodies. It helps in diagnosing autoimmune disorders. Though having a few antinuclear antibodies in the blood is normal, large amounts are signs of an autoimmune disorder.

How is the ANA test done?
The ANA test is like any other blood examination; no special preparations are made. A small amount of blood is drawn from a vein in the arm and is collected in a tube. It is then sent to the lab to examine the presence of antinuclear antibodies. There is very minimal risk of doing an ANA test. There may be minor discomfort or bruising at the site where the needle was put in.

When is it done?
A doctor may suggest an antinuclear antibody test if a person shows the following symptoms related to an autoimmune disorder:

• Joint or muscle pain: The pain may primarily affect the neck, shoulders, upper arms, and thighs.
  Recurring or persistent fever: People with antinuclear antibodies may also experience recurring or persistent fever.
• Butterfly-shaped red rash: A visible red rash in the shape of a butterfly on the face
• Tiredness or fatigue: Extreme tiredness and loss of energy may be caused by antinuclear antibodies.

What do the test results mean?
The test report only shows if a person has an autoimmune disease. A negative ANA result implies that there are no antinuclear antibodies in the blood, and it is less likely for the person to have an autoimmune disorder.
A positive ANA report means that antinuclear antibodies are present in the blood. However, it is essential to note that a positive result does not always indicate the presence of this disease.

Causes
The autoimmune disorders that can cause a positive test result are:

• Lupus: Lupus is an autoimmune disease affecting many body parts, including joints, kidneys, skin, and heart.
• Scleroderma: This disorder causes the thickening of the skin and connective tissues.
• Sjögren’s disease affects the salivary and tear glands, which produce saliva and tears, leading to dryness in the mouth and eyes.
• Polymyositis: This autoimmune condition causes pain and inflammation of the muscles.
• Dermatomyositis: This is a rare condition that affects the skin and the muscles. It is a form of polymyositis.
• Autoimmune hepatitis: This autoimmune condition causes swelling in the liver.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: This condition causes pain and edema in the joints.

A positive ANA result can also be caused due to viruses and specific health conditions such as cancer. The production of antinuclear antibodies also increases in healthy people over age 65. Therefore, one positive ANA test result alone cannot establish an autoimmune disease, so any immediate treatment may not be needed until confirmed by several other follow-up examinations.