ANA test measures the amount of anti-nuclear antibody in the blood
The ANA (antinuclear antibody) profile test is a blood test that is used to help diagnose autoimmune diseases. ANAs are antibodies that attack the body's own cells, and they are commonly found in people with autoimmune diseases. The ANA profile test is a panel of different tests that looks for specific antibodies that are associated with certain autoimmune diseases.
Associated Tests:
ANA by ELISA Anti Nuclear Antibody Screening Serum
Anti Nuclear Antibody by IFA
ANA Blot 17 antigens, Serum
Written by: Supriya Kulkarni, Lead-Content & Training
Reasons for Undergoing the ANA Profile Test
The ANA (antinuclear antibody) profile test is a vital tool in the diagnosis and monitoring of autoimmune disorders. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's healthy tissues, leading to a wide range of symptoms that can often overlap with other conditions.
The ANA test is used to detect specific antibodies in the blood that are commonly associated with autoimmune diseases. This test is especially helpful in guiding healthcare providers in diagnosing and managing these complex conditions. Several key reasons may lead to the use of an ANA profile test, including:
- Suspected autoimmune diseases: If a patient exhibits symptoms suggestive of autoimmune conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjogren's syndrome, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis, an ANA profile test may be ordered.
- Comprehensive clinical evaluation: The ANA profile is often part of a thorough clinical assessment that includes a detailed medical history, physical examination, and basic laboratory tests to identify features indicative of an autoimmune disease.
- Ruling out other conditions: When patients present with nonspecific symptoms such as joint pain, fatigue, fever, and muscle pain, the ANA profile test can help narrow down the diagnostic possibilities and rule out certain diseases.
List of Parameters Considered During the ANA Profile Test
The ANA Profile Test is a diagnostic tool used to detect the presence of various antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) in the blood, which are crucial markers for identifying autoimmune disorders.
By measuring these antibodies, the test helps healthcare professionals diagnose and monitor diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's syndrome, and scleroderma. Below are the key parameters analysed in this test:
- Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA): These autoantibodies target the nucleus of cells, and their presence can indicate an autoimmune disease.
- Anti-SSA/Ro and Anti-SSB/La: Often associated with Sjögren's syndrome and SLE.
- Anti-Sm: Highly specific for SLE, found in about 25% of patients with this disease.
- Anti-RNP: Associated with mixed connective tissue disease and SLE.
- Anti-Jo1: Linked to polymyositis and dermatomyositis.
- Anti-Scl-70 (Topoisomerase I): Specific for scleroderma (systemic sclerosis).
- Anti-dsDNA: highly specific for SLE and often used to monitor disease activity.
- Centromere Antibodies: Associated with limited systemic scleroderma (CREST syndrome).