What Is an ANA Test?

A simple blood test is all that is needed to test for autoimmune disorders.

The ANA test screens for autoimmune conditions and may be ordered if your doctor thinks that you may have lupus or other autoimmune disorders. It is a simple blood test and there is little preparation needed.

Identification

The ANA test can show the ANA (antinuclear antibodies) in the patient's blood. These are seen in people that have autoimmune disorders, where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body tissue.

Testing

The test is a blood draw from a vein in the arm. This blood sample is then taken to a laboratory for screening.

Companion Tests

Along with the ANA test, the doctor may order other autoantibody tests such as C-reactive protein testing (CRP). These can tell if there is inflammation and other disorder markers in the blood.

Test Results

ANA in the blood is a positive result. There can be a positive result and still no autoimmune disease present. False positives can occur with women over 65, when medications are being taken, and mononucleosis is present.

Warning

According to the National Library of Medicine, you should tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking prior to the ANA test. Some, such as birth control pills, could affect the results. Herbal remedies and over-the-counter medications also need to be disclosed.

References

• Lab Test Online: ANA
• Mayo Clinic: ANA
• National Library of Medicine: ANA