ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) Test

What Is an Antinuclear Antibody Test?

An antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is a blood test that detects specific proteins called autoantibodies in your blood. These antibodies mistakenly attack your body's own healthy cells instead of fighting infections. The test uses a serum sample drawn from a vein in your arm. This screening test helps doctors investigate and diagnose autoimmune diseases, particularly conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues.

What Does the Antinuclear Antibody Test Measure?

The ANA test measures several important aspects of your immune system's activity:

• Presence of autoantibodies: Proteins that target your own cell nuclei instead of foreign invaders.
• Antibody concentration (titre): The level of these antibodies in your serum, expressed as an index value or dilution titre.
• Antibody patterns: Characteristic staining patterns (e.g., homogeneous, speckled, nucleolar) that provide diagnostic clues for specific autoimmune diseases.
• Index values: Numerical scores that help classify results as negative (<1.0), borderline (1.0–1.2), or positive (>1.2).

Antinuclear Antibody Test: Who Needs It and Why It's Done

What Symptoms May Call for an Antinuclear Antibody Test?

Your doctor may recommend an ANA test if you experience persistent symptoms suggestive of autoimmune or connective tissue disorders:

• Unexplained fever that doesn't go away
• Extreme fatigue that rest doesn't improve
• Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling similar to arthritis
• Butterfly-shaped rash across your cheeks and nose
• Other skin rashes or sensitivity to sunlight
• Muscle pain and weakness
• Unexplained hair loss
• Fingers and toes turning white or blue in cold weather (Raynaud’s phenomenon).

Who Should Get an Antinuclear Antibody Test?

The ANA test is recommended for specific groups of people:

• Patients with symptoms: Individuals experiencing multiple unexplained symptoms that could indicate autoimmune disease.
• Family history: People with close relatives who have been diagnosed with autoimmune conditions.
• High-risk individuals: Those with other autoimmune markers or related health concerns.
• Follow-up testing: Patients monitoring existing autoimmune conditions.

Why Is an Antinuclear Antibody Test Done?

The ANA test serves as a preliminary screening tool to detect autoimmune activity; it cannot confirm a diagnosis on its own. It guides further testing and helps establish an accurate diagnosis for proper treatment.

Importance of an Antinuclear Antibody Test

The ANA test is clinically significant as one of the most sensitive screening tools for autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). While a positive result doesn't diagnose a specific disease, it serves as an important signpost for doctors. It helps narrow down possible causes of your symptoms and justifies ordering more specific autoantibody tests.

Early and accurate diagnosis through ANA testing is essential for managing autoimmune diseases effectively and preventing long-term organ damage.

Antinuclear Antibody Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare India

How to Book an Antinuclear Antibody Test?

1. Simple Online Booking
   You can book the test through the Metropolis Healthcare App or website. Select 'Antinuclear Antibody Test', choose a convenient time slot, and provide your address for a blood test at home. You can also visit the nearest Metropolis Lab if you prefer to give the sample directly at the lab.
2. Safe Home Sample Collection
   Our trained phlebotomists ensure the timely collection of your sample while strictly following all safety and hygiene protocols.
3. Sample Tracking Updates
   Stay informed at every step — from collection to testing — by tracking your sample directly through the Metropolis Healthcare website.
4. Accurate Laboratory Testing
   Your sample is processed at our NABL and CAP-accredited laboratories, where expert technicians ensure accurate results.
5. Quick & Easy Reports
   Receive your test reports promptly via email, WhatsApp, or by downloading them directly from the Metropolis Healthcare website or app.

Is Home Sample Collection for the Antinuclear Antibody Test Available Near You?

Yes, home sample collection is available for the ANA test across India through Metropolis Healthcare. Our trained phlebotomists follow strict safety protocols while collecting your blood sample and processing it in NABL- & CAP-accredited labs. With our extensive network of over 10,000 touchpoints in 750 towns, our reliable home collection services ensure you receive accurate results without compromising on quality or convenience.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Antinuclear Antibody Test Report?

Reports are typically available the same day by 9:00 PM once the sample reaches the lab.

Where Can I See or Get the Antinuclear Antibody Test Results?

Test results from Metropolis Healthcare can be accessed through multiple convenient channels. You can log in to the Metropolis website using your credentials or use the Metropolis Healthcare App to view and download your reports. Additionally, test reports are sent via email or WhatsApp, and you also have the option to collect a physical copy directly from the lab.

Interpreting Antinuclear Antibody Test Results

The following table explains what your ANA test results mean and how they are interpreted:

Conditions that May Affect Antinuclear Antibody Test Accuracy

Several factors can influence your ANA test results and should be discussed with your doctor:

• Certain medications, including some blood pressure drugs, anti-seizure medicines, and antibiotics, can cause drug-induced lupus.
• Age-related factors, such as low-level ANA, can be found in some healthy elderly individuals.
• Recent infections or illnesses may temporarily affect antibody levels.
• Pregnancy can sometimes influence autoantibody production.
• Severe dehydration may affect blood concentration, though it is unlikely to change qualitative results.
• Some herbal supplements and over-the-counter medications may interfere with results.

How Is an Antinuclear Antibody Test Done?

The ANA test involves a simple blood collection procedure performed by trained professionals:

• A phlebotomist cleans the area on your inner elbow with an antiseptic.
• An elastic band is tied around your upper arm to make the veins more visible.
• A small needle is inserted into a vein to collect approximately 3 ml of blood.
• The blood sample is collected in a gel vacutainer to separate serum for analysis.
• Your serum sample is analyzed using the Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) method (ID-based qualitative screening test).
• If the method is not specified, preference is given to the Indirect Immunofluorescence (IF) technique.

How Should You Prepare for an Antinuclear Antibody Test?

Preparing for your ANA test is straightforward with minimal requirements:

• No fasting is required; you can eat and drink normally before the test.
• Continue regular medications unless your doctor specifically advises otherwise.
• Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you're taking.
• Stay well-hydrated before the test, as good hydration makes venipuncture easier.
• Wear comfortable clothing with sleeves that can be easily rolled up.
• Bring your prescription and any relevant medical history to your appointment.

Diseases that an Antinuclear Antibody Test Can Help Detect

The ANA test serves as a screening tool for various autoimmune and connective tissue disorders:

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
• Sjögren's syndrome
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)
• Mixed connective tissue disease
• Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH)
• Primary biliary cholangitis
• Drug-induced lupus
• ANA-associated vasculitis

Antinuclear Antibody Tests/Packages that You Can Book With Metropolis Healthcare

Here are the ANA-related tests and packages available with Metropolis Healthcare: