Test library
ANA Autoantibody Screen
The ANA Blood Test measures antinuclear antibodies, immune proteins that can target the body's own cells. It is used as a screening test when an autoimmune condition is suspected and is interpreted alongside symptoms and other findings.
Order ANA Blood Test
Order online and visit a local collection site, or choose an at-home kit where available. No referral and no insurance required.
Order ANA Blood Test- Typical turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Starting price
- From $118
- Results
- Confidential, online
Quick answer
The ANA Blood Test, or antinuclear antibody test, is a blood test that looks for antibodies that bind to structures inside the cell nucleus. These antibodies can be present in several autoimmune conditions, including lupus and related connective tissue diseases. A positive result does not by itself mean a disease is present, because low levels can occur in healthy people. A qualified healthcare provider interprets the result with symptoms, examination, and other tests.
What this test measures
Antinuclear antibodies are immune proteins that recognize components of the cell nucleus. Their presence can indicate an autoimmune process, but they are also found in some healthy individuals, especially at low levels. The ANA test is therefore a screening tool rather than a diagnosis, and it is most informative when the medical history suggests an autoimmune condition.
The sample is a standard blood draw. Laboratories report whether ANA is detected, often along with a titer and a staining pattern. A positive screen may be followed by more specific tests for individual autoantibodies, such as anti-dsDNA, anti-Ro, anti-La, anti-Sm, and anti-RNP, which can help narrow the picture. Not every positive ANA requires this additional testing.
ANA testing is requested when symptoms such as joint pain, persistent rash, unexplained fever, or fatigue raise concern for an autoimmune condition. It may also be used to monitor a known diagnosis. Because results depend heavily on context, a qualified healthcare provider should interpret them alongside the clinical examination and any follow-up testing.
- Antinuclear antibodies (ANA)
- ANA titer
- ANA staining pattern (homogeneous, speckled, nucleolar, centromere)
- Anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA)
- Anti-Ro (SSA) and anti-La (SSB)
- Anti-Smith (Sm)
- Anti-U1 ribonucleoprotein (RNP)
- Anti-centromere antibodies
Why people order this test
- Screen for autoimmune conditions when symptoms suggest them
- Follow up on persistent joint pain, rash, or unexplained fever
- Investigate a possible connective tissue disease such as lupus
- Support evaluation of dry eyes, dry mouth, or related symptoms
- Provide context before more specific autoantibody testing
- Clarify which follow-up autoantibody tests may be appropriate
How to prepare
No fasting is required for an ANA test. A single blood sample is collected at a laboratory, and the draw can be scheduled at any time of day. Tell the ordering provider about any medications and symptoms so the result can be interpreted in context.
Understanding your results
Results are typically available within one to three business days. The report describes whether ANA was detected, often with a titer and pattern. A positive result on its own does not confirm an autoimmune disease, and a qualified healthcare provider can explain what the findings mean for your situation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does a positive ANA mean?
It means antinuclear antibodies were detected. This can occur in autoimmune conditions, but also in some healthy people, so the result is interpreted with symptoms and other tests.
Can a healthy person have a positive ANA?
Yes. Low-level positive results are seen in a portion of healthy individuals, which is why the test is not used alone to diagnose disease.
What is an ANA titer?
The titer describes how dilute the sample can be before antibodies are no longer detected. Higher titers are more often associated with autoimmune conditions, but the pattern and clinical picture also matter.
Will I need more tests after a positive ANA?
Sometimes. A clinician may order specific autoantibody tests to look for particular conditions, depending on your symptoms.
Does fasting affect the ANA test?
No. Fasting is not required, and the test can be done at any time of day.
Ready to get tested?
Order online and visit a collection site near you, or choose a mail-in kit. No referral and no insurance required.
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