An antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is a blood test that can help identify autoimmune disorders, which occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's cells and tissues. The test detects the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs), a type of autoantibody that targets the nucleus of a cell.
When a person has an autoimmune disorder, their immune system produces ANAs, mistakenly attacking the nuclei of cells. The ANA screening test detects the presence of these antibodies, which can be an indicator of an autoimmune disorder. However, it is essential to note that the presence of ANAs does not always indicate an autoimmune disorder, and you must get additional tests done to confirm a diagnosis.
ANA Test can help confirm the following medical conditions,
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- Sjögren's syndrome
- Addison's disease
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Scleroderma