ANTI NUCLEAR ANTIBODIES (ANA)

The anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) test detects the presence of autoantibodies that target the nuclei of cells. ANAs are associated with various autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjgren’s syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis. A positive ANA test suggests an autoimmune condition and helps guide further diagnostic testing and treatment planning. The test is performed using immunofluorescence or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to identify specific ANA patterns. This test is crucial for diagnosing and managing autoimmune diseases, monitoring disease activity, and assessing the effectiveness of treatments.