An ANA (antinuclear antibody) test using immunofluorescence measures the presence and amount of antinuclear antibodies in the blood, which can indicate an overactive immune system and potentially autoimmune diseases. The test results are reported as a titer (a measure of the antibody level) and a staining pattern.
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
What is an ANA test?
Purpose:
The ANA test is a blood test that detects antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) in the blood.
What are ANAs?
ANAs are antibodies that mistakenly target the nucleus of the body’s own cells, potentially leading to inflammation and autoimmune conditions.
How it works:
The test typically uses an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), where a sample of your blood is mixed with a fluorescent dye-labeled antibody that binds to the ANAs, if present.
What the test measures:
The test measures the level of ANAs in your blood, which is reported as a titer.
Why is it important?
A positive ANA test can suggest an autoimmune disorder, but it’s not a definitive diagnosis and further testing is often needed.
What does the ANA titer mean?
Titer:
The titer is a measure of the amount of ANAs in your blood, expressed as a ratio (e.g., 1:40, 1:80, 1:160).
Higher titer:
A higher titer indicates a greater amount of ANAs, which may be more indicative of an autoimmune condition.
Normal vs. Abnormal:
While some healthy individuals may have low levels of ANAs, a high titer is more likely to suggest an autoimmune disorder.
Cutoff:
Some labs may consider a titer above a certain level (e.g., 1:160) as positive, but this can vary.
What are the staining patterns?
Besides the titer, the test also identifies a staining pattern:
This pattern describes how the fluorescent dye binds to the cell nuclei, which can provide clues about the type of autoimmune condition.
Common patterns:
Some common patterns include homogeneous, speckled, centromere, and others.
When is an ANA test ordered?
Symptoms:
Your doctor may order an ANA test if you have symptoms of an autoimmune disease, such as fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, or other symptoms.
Autoimmune disorders:
ANA tests are often used to help diagnose autoimmune diseases like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE or lupus), Rheumatoid Arthritis, and other connective tissue disorders.
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An antenatal profile, also known as an ANC profile, is a series of blood and urine tests that assess the health of a pregnant woman and her fetus. It’s a key part of antenatal care and is usually recommended during the first trimester.
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Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide is an antibody found to be present in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Measuring its levels helps in detecting as well as assessing the severity of RA. This test is available at an affordable price with home collection services.
Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) is a blood test that screens for antibodies that attack healthy cells. It’s a common diagnostic tool for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
What is it used for?
To diagnose or rule out RA
To predict the severity of RA
To monitor patients with inflammatory polyarthritis (IP)
What are the symptoms of RA?
Joint pain, especially in the morning
Joint stiffness
Joint swelling
Fatigue
Low-grade fever
What are the results of the test?
Negative: Less than 20 EU/mL
Weakly positive: 20–39 EU/mL
Moderately positive: 40–59 EU/mL
Strongly positive: More than 59 EU/mL
What else can cause a positive result? Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Familial Mediterranean fever, Behçet’s disease, and Psoriatic arthritis.
Other information
CCP antibodies are a type of autoantibody
CCP antibody tests are often done with rheumatoid factor (RF) tests
CCP antibody testing results may be available within a few business days
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