All tests
Blood tests
Antinuclear Antibody (ANA)
A screening test for autoimmune diseases such as lupus, Sjögren’s and scleroderma.
Video lesson
Why it’s ordered
When symptoms suggest a connective tissue disease.
Understanding results
Almost everyone with lupus is ANA positive, but so are up to 15% of healthy people, usually at low levels (1:40 to 1:80). A positive ANA alone is not a diagnosis.
Good to know
The pattern and level guide which follow-up antibody tests are worthwhile.
At a glance
Type
Blood tests
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
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