ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) Test
Navigating
the Autoimmune Spectrum
With ANA
Test
The ANA test or
anti-nuclear antibody test is a blood test used to detect the presence of
antibodies that target and attack the cell nuclei of the individual's own
cells. This test plays a crucial role in the assessment and identification of
autoimmune diseases and some other medical conditions. The ANA test is used as
a screening tool to aid in the diagnosis of several autoimmune diseases such as
systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic
sclerosis, among others. While a positive test confirms the presence of
antinuclear antibodies, it doesn’t confirm the presence of an autoimmune
disease and might require further medical intervention.
Overview of the Key Factors of ANA Test:
Interpretation of the ANA Test:
ANA test can
sometimes produce a false-positive or false-negative result due to several
factors such as medications, infections, and other underlying medical
conditions. The test results are often considered in conjunction with other
data such as a patient's medical history, physical examination, and other
diagnostics tests to determine and confirm the presence of an autoimmune
disease.
For individuals who have already been diagnosed with autoimmune conditions, the ANA test is used to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and changes in the ANA titres can be indicative of disease progression or remission. The result of ANA is normally reported in titre such as 1:40, 1:80, 1:160, or 1:320. 1:40 and 1:80 are considered as low titres, 1:160 is considered as moderately high, while 1:320 is considered a high positive result.
Procedure:
●
No special preparation is
required before the test.
●
A trained phlebotomist or nurse
will clean the area in the arm from where the blood is to be taken with an
antiseptic.
●
A tourniquet will be tied to
the patient’s arm to ensure the veins are clearly visible.
●
A needle is then inserted into
the patient’s vein and blood sample is collected into a specialized tube.
●
The needle and tourniquet are
then removed and a bandage or cotton pad is applied on the site of venipuncture
to prevent infection or bleeding.
●
The tube in which the blood is
collected is specially designed for antibody testing and is lined with
preservatives to maintain the quality of blood sample.
●
The tube is then accurately
labelled and sent to the laboratory for further testing.
● The results are reported in
titre with a specific pattern of the antibodies development and taking into
consideration patients' health history and other factors, the healthcare
provider will determine if any further assessment is needed.
Benefits:
●
Relatively quick, safe, and
painless procedure with little to no side effects
●
Helps in accurate
identification of antinuclear antibodies in the blood for early detection and
diagnosis of autoimmune diseases
●
Helps in detection of
autoimmune diseases even before the symptoms manifest
●
Works as a screening tool to
help healthcare professionals identify patients who may require further testing
and evaluation
●
Helps in monitoring the
progression of the autoimmune disease and understanding treatment effectiveness
●
Helps in determining which type
of autoimmune disease is present through a thorough analysis of antibodies
pattern
Precautions to be Taken for ANA Test:
Patients must
follow any instructions given to them during the day of testing. Patients must
let their healthcare providers know about their medical history, medications or
supplements they are taking to avoid interference with the test result.
Patients must inform their healthcare provider if they have any bleeding
disorder as venipuncture might cause excessive bleedings in patients like them.
Patients must wear comfortable clothings and must stay calm and relaxed during
the test to avoid any complications.
