Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) Comprehensive Blood Test Panel

What is the purpose of this test?

Order this Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) Comprehensive Blood Test Panel to detect antinuclear antibodies in the blood and assist in diagnosing autoimmune disorders. ANA is an antibody, commonly called an autoantibody, produced by the immune system. However, unlike other antibodies that protect the body from infections like viruses or bacteria, autoantibodies mistakenly cause the immune system to attack healthy cells and tissues. 

These antibodies are called "antinuclear" because they target the nucleus of healthy cells. The cell's control center is the nucleus, transmitting signals that activate essential cell functions. Unfortunately, ANAs recognize normal proteins found in the nucleus as foreign and harmful, triggering inflammation in which the body begins to attack itself. Although most individuals have a small number of autoantibodies in their blood, levels of ANAs often increase with age. According to recent studies, one-third of healthy individuals 65 years or older may test positive for ANAs. When large amounts of autoantibodies are detected, it may indicate an autoimmune disorder.

Individuals may order an ANA Comprehensive Blood Test Panel to assist in diagnosing autoimmune disorders, including:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Sjogren's syndrome
• Polymyositis and dermatomyositis
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
• Raynaud's phenomenon
• Drug-induced lupus
• Mixed connective tissue disease
• Autoimmune hepatitis

When should I order an ANA Comprehensive Blood Test Panel?

Individuals may order this test if they have experienced symptoms associated with an autoimmune disorder. Common symptoms of autoimmune diseases include:

• Fever
• Rash
• Fatigue
• Inflammation or joint pain and swelling
• Muscle pain
• Abdominal pain or digestive issues
• Swollen glands