ANA Blot 18 Antigen Test

• Diagnose autoimmune diseases: The ANA Blot 18 antigens test helps diagnose various autoimmune diseases where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues.
• Identify specific antibody targets: Unlike a basic ANA test, this test identifies antibodies against specific protein components within the cell nucleus.
• Differentiate between autoimmune conditions: By revealing the specific antibodies present, the test helps distinguish between different autoimmune diseases like lupus, Sjögren's syndrome, scleroderma, and others.
• Guide treatment decisions: The information about the type of autoantibodies can guide healthcare professionals in determining the most appropriate treatment approach for your specific condition.

The ANA Blot 18 antigens test detects antibodies against specific protein components within the cell nucleus. Here's a breakdown of the 18 antigens the test targets:

• Nuclear Envelope:
  • Mi-2ß: Associated with dermatomyositis and polymyositis
  • Ku: Less common association with various autoimmune diseases
• Nucleoplasm:
  • nRNP/Sm: Associated with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
  • Sm: Associated with SLE
  • SS-A (Ro): Associated with Sjögren's syndrome and SLE
  • Ro-52: Associated with Sjögren's syndrome
  • SS-B (La): Associated with Sjögren's syndrome
  • Scl-70: Associated with systemic sclerosis
  • PM-Scl: Associated with polymyositis/systemic sclerosis overlap syndrome
  • Jo-1: Associated with polymyositis and dermatomyositis
  • CENP B: Associated with centromere myositis, a rare autoimmune muscle disease
  • PCNA: Less common association with various autoimmune diseases
• Nucleosome components:
  • dsDNA (double-stranded DNA): Associated with SLE
  • Nucleosomes: Associated with SLE and drug-induced lupus
  • Histones: Less common association with various autoimmune diseases
• Other nuclear components:
  • Rib. P-Protein: Associated with MCTD
  • AMA-M2: Associated with anti-mitochondrial antibody syndrome, a rare autoimmune liver disease
  • DFS-70: Not strongly associated with any specific autoimmune disease, but can be helpful in interpreting overall ANA results

The blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

• ANA positive result: Indicates type of autoantibody related disease. ANA test is positive in the following autoimmune conditions: systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease particularly systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren syndrome, mixed connective tissue disease, discoid lupus erythematosus, drug-induced lupus erythematosus , systemic sclerosis, CREST syndrome (calcinosis, Raynaud’s phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, telangiectasia) and idiopathic inflammatory myopathies.
• ANA negative results does not completely rule out autoimmune diseases. A positive result doesn't necessarily indicate an autoimmune disease, many women older than 60, some infectious diseases, cancers, certain drugs have been associated with antinuclear antibodies.