Table of contents:
- Definition
- What are anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA test)?
- When should I have anti-nuclear antibody (ANA test)?
- Precautions & warnings
- What should I know before taking anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA test)?
- Process
- What should I do before taking anti-nuclear antibody (ANA test)?
- How is the anti-nuclear antibody (ANA test) processed?
- What should I do after taking anti-nuclear antibody (ANA test)?
- Explanation of the Test Results
- What do my test results mean?
Definition
What are anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA test)?
Anti-nuclear antibody test (Antinuclear Antibodies test or ANA) is used to measure the levels and patterns of antibody activity in the blood against the body (autoimmune reactions). The immune system in the body is useful for killing foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses. However, in autoimmune disorders, the immune system attacks normal tissues in the body. If a person has an autoimmune disease, the immune system will produce antibodies attached to the body's cells, causing the body's cells to become damaged. Rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus are some examples of autoimmune diseases.
The ANA test together with symptoms of the disease, a physical examination and several other tests are used to determine autoimmune disease.
When should I have anti-nuclear antibody (ANA test)?
Your doctor will order an ANA test if your doctor suspects that you have an autoimmune disease such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma. Some rheumatic diseases have almost the same symptoms - joint pain, fatigue and fever. The ANA test alone cannot confirm a specific diagnosis, but it can rule out other diseases. If the ANA test is positive, a blood test may be done to look for the presence of certain anti-nuclear antibodies that could indicate a particular disease.
Precautions & warnings
What should I know before taking anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA test)?
Autoimmune diseases cannot be diagnosed using the results of the ANA test alone. A complete medical history, physical examination and results from other tests are used in conjunction with the ANA test to identify the presence of autoimmune diseases, such as Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or rheumatoid arthritis.
Some healthy people can also have elevated ANA in the blood, such as some people with a family history of autoimmune disease. The higher the ANA level, the more likely it is to develop autoimmune diseases. ANA levels can increase with age.
Process
What should I do before taking anti-nuclear antibody (ANA test)?
No special preparation required. However, certain medications, such as birth control pills, procinamind, and thiazide diuretics can affect the accuracy of the test. Make sure your doctor knows what medications you are taking.
How is the anti-nuclear antibody (ANA test) processed?
The medical personnel in charge of drawing your blood will take the following steps:
- wrap an elastic belt around your upper arm to stop blood flow. This makes the blood vessel under the bundle enlarge making it easier to insert the needle into the vessel
- clean the area to be injected with alcohol
- inject a needle into a vein. More than one needle may be required.
- Insert the tube into the syringe to fill it with blood
- untie the knot from your arm when enough blood is drawn
- attaching gauze or cotton to the injection site, after the injection is complete
- apply pressure to the area and then put a bandage on.
What should I do after taking anti-nuclear antibody (ANA test)?
The blood sample will be examined in the laboratory. You can do your normal activities after the test.
Explanation of the Test Results
What do my test results mean?
A positive test result is if anti-nuclear antibodies are found. However, a positive test result doesn't necessarily mean you have an autoimmune disease. Some people can have a positive test result without having autoimmune disease, especially women over 65 years.
Mononucleosis and other chronic infectious diseases are often associated with the development of anti-nuclear antibodies. Some blood pressure-lowering and anti-seizure medications can also trigger the formation of anti-nuclear antibodies. The presence of ANA in the blood can be caused by:
- chronic liver disease
- collagen vascular disease
- lupus erythematosus that is caused by drugs
- myositis (inflammation of the muscles)
- rheumatoid arthritis
- Sjogren's syndrome
- systemic lupus erythematosus
Increased ANA levels can be found in people who have:
- systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)
- thyroid disease
If your doctor suspects you have an autoimmune disease, your doctor will order several other tests. The ANA test results are one of the clues your doctor can use to determine the cause of your symptoms.
