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Alternative names Return to top
ANA; ANA panelDefinition Return to top
This is a blood test to measure the presence of antinuclear antibody.How the test is performed Return to top
Blood is drawn from a vein, usually on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and an elastic band is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and restrict blood flow through the vein. This causes veins below the band to fill with blood.
A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
For an infant or young child:
The area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. Cotton or a bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any continued bleeding.
How to prepare for the test Return to top
For infants and children:How the test will feel Return to top
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.Why the test is performed Return to top
This test is used when autoimmune disease is suspected (particularly systemic lupus erythematosus). This test can also be performed when a patient has unexplained symptoms such as arthritis, rashes, or chest pain.Normal Values Return to top
Normally, there is no ANA in the blood (negative test). Sometimes, however, a person without any specific disease my have low levels of ANA for no apparent reason.What abnormal results mean Return to top
Antinuclear antibodies are antibodies produced by the immune system that attack the body's own tissues instead of foreign toxins. They are frequently present in people with systemic lupus erythematosus and, less commonly, in other diseases.What the risks are Return to top
Special considerations Return to top
The ANA can be positive in relatives of those with SLE who do not have SLE themselves. Also, many drugs affect the accuracy of this test. Examples are: birth control pills, Procainamide, and thiazide diuretics.
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Update Date: 8/2/2003 Updated by: Lisa Christopher, M.D., Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |