Also known as: ANA-Hep2, FANA 

ANA, IFA Limitations: Males and females older than 80 years of age have a 50% incidence of low titer ANA. Various medications can induce a "lupoid" condition and elevated ANA titers. Usually, the titer decreases following removal of the drug.

The body's immune system usually attacks and destroys foreign substances such as viruses and bacteria. In disorders that are known as autoimmune diseases, the immune system attacks and destroys the body's normal tissues. When a person has an autoimmune disease, the immune system produces antibodies that will attach to the body's own cells as though they were foreign substances, often causing them to be damaged or destroyed. Autoimmune diseases include are Rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

An ANA test is used along with your symptoms, physical examination, and other tests to diagnose an autoimmune disease.