ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies)

At IntroLab in Belgrade, we provide a full range of ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies) testing services, covering all subtypes of analyses to give you detailed insights into your health. With our expert team, you can trust that your health information is handled with the utmost care.

What is ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies)?

ANA, or Antinuclear Antibodies, are specific antibodies that our body produces in response to certain autoimmune disorders.

ANA antibodies are vital biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring numerous autoimmune diseases, especially those classified as systemic connective tissue diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, and scleroderma. These antibodies target specific protein structures within the cell nucleus, including various types of nucleoproteins, centromeres, histones, and others. Therefore, they are called “antinuclear” antibodies. Normally, our immune system does not attack its own cellular components, but in some autoimmune disorders, this tolerance is lost. Consequently, the body starts producing autoantibodies, including ANA.

Why is the ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies) test important?

The ANA test is essential for identifying autoimmune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and others. It helps in diagnosing these conditions and in tracking their progression and treatment effectiveness.

When should the ANA test be done?

The ANA test is recommended when symptoms suggest the presence of an autoimmune disease. These symptoms can include:

• Fatigue
• Joint pain
• Skin rashes
• Fever

How are the results interpreted?

ANA test results are typically expressed as a titer, indicating the dilution level at which antibodies are still detectable. A higher titer signifies a greater concentration of antibodies in the blood. A positive ANA test may indicate an autoimmune disease, but false positives can occur, particularly in older adults. Certain medications and infections can also result in a positive test. A negative result generally suggests the absence of an autoimmune disease, but it does not entirely rule out the possibility of such a condition.

Specifics and subtypes of the test

The ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies) test can detect the presence of antinuclear antibodies but does not identify which specific antibodies are present. If the ANA test is positive, further testing is typically conducted to pinpoint the specific antibodies. These additional tests aid in accurately diagnosing particular autoimmune diseases.