Also known as: Antinuclear Antibody test, Fluorescent Antinuclear Antibody, FANA, Extractable Nuclear Antigen Antibodies, ENA
Formal name: Antinuclear Antibody Test
Related tests:Autoantibody tests
1. Why is it called “antinuclear” antibody?
ANA are autoantibodies that are directed against certain components found in the nucleus (center) of a cell.
2. My doctor told me my ANA test is positive, but he isn’t sure if I have lupus. How can this be?
A positive ANA result means that you have a higher than “normal” concentration of these antibodies. This is one of the tools in diagnosing lupus as well as several other autoimmune diseases, so a positive result may be related to lupus or another disease. Or you may simply have a higher than normal concentration of these autoantibodies that may not have any impact on your health. Even among people with lupus, these results can vary widely; one person can be in remission at a certain titer of ANA while another can be extremely ill at the same titer. Autoimmune diseases often have a systemic effect on the body and are very complex by nature. Interpreting what these results mean for you is the work of your doctor. And your doctor may need to compare your test results as well as the severity of your symptoms over a period of time in order to make a definitive diagnosis. This additional time may also allow your doctor the opportunity to eliminate other possible causes for your symptoms.
3. Is SLE the same thing as lupus?
There are actually several forms of lupus. SLE is the form that is most commonly referred to when someone mentions “lupus.” Systemic lupus means that it can attack almost any organ or system in your body. This is the most severe form. There are other forms of lupus that are primarily limited to skin, and their symptoms include rashes that may be found in many shapes and locations on the body. A butterfly-shaped rash is commonly seen on or near the face.
This article was last reviewed on August 12, 2007.
This page was last modified on April 8, 2009.
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