ANA by IFA Test

The ANA test, or Anti-nuclear Antibody test, is a blood test that measures the amount and looks into the pattern of specific proteins called antinuclear antibodies in your blood. 2 In normal conditions, these antibodies are produced by the immune system to target harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses and destroy them. However, in some autoimmune diseases, the immune system gets confused and starts attacking the healthy cells in your body instead. Since these antibodies target the nucleus, the central part of the cell, they are called Antinuclear Antibodies. The ANA test helps doctors find out if you have an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A diagnosis for autoimmune conditions is made based on the interpretation of this test, your other tests, symptoms, and a physical examination. 2 By examining all this information, doctors can determine if your immune system is mistakenly attacking your body and decide on the best way to treat or manage the disease. If you live and are dealing with symptoms such as joint pain, chronic fatigue, or persistent rashes, you should consider getting an ANA test. 1 This test can help detect autoimmune disorders early and allow you to begin the necessary treatment promptly.

The ANA test helps doctors find out if you have certain autoimmune disorders by checking for specific antibodies in your blood. It is used to diagnose conditions like: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) : A disease that affects many parts of the body, including joints, skin, and organs. Rheumatoid Arthritis : A condition that mainly affects the joints, causing pain and swelling. Sjögren's Syndrome : A condition that affects the glands that produce tears and saliva. Scleroderma : A rare disease that can affect the skin and organs. Autoimmune Hepatitis : A condition with inflammation in the liver. Addison Disease : A disease that affects the adrenal glands, leading to fatigue and weakness. Doctors order the ANA IFA test if you have symptoms like fever, joint pain, rashes, extreme tiredness or muscle pain. The ANA test helps discern if these symptoms are caused by an autoimmune disease by looking for specific antibodies in your blood.

Understanding your report

What your results can mean — always review them with your doctor:

Results & Interpretation