🔬 What is this Test?
The Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA) - Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) test detects autoantibodies that attack the nucleus of the body’s cells. A positive result may indicate an autoimmune disease, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Sjögren’s syndrome. The IFA method is the gold standard for ANA testing due to its accuracy in detecting patterns and titers.
📊 Normal Ranges:
✅ Negative: No ANA detected
⚠️ Low Titer (Borderline): 1:40 to 1:80 (May be seen in healthy individuals)
❌ Positive: ≥ 1:160 (Suggests an autoimmune condition, requiring further testing)
🎯 Purpose of the Test:
✔️ Diagnose autoimmune diseases like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren’s Syndrome, and Scleroderma
✔️ Monitor disease progression and treatment effectiveness
✔️ Identify underlying causes of unexplained symptoms like chronic fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashes
⚠️ Why Might You Need This Test?
Unexplained joint pain or swelling
Chronic fatigue or muscle pain
Butterfly-shaped rash on the face (common in lupus)
Dry eyes, dry mouth, or other Sjögren’s syndrome symptoms
Sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity)
📌 Understanding the Results:
Negative: No autoimmune activity detected
Borderline: May require monitoring or repeat testing
Positive: Indicates a possible autoimmune disorder—further tests (e.g., anti-dsDNA, anti-Sm) are needed for diagnosis
🔬 Additional Notes:
Positive ANA does NOT always mean disease—some healthy individuals test positive
Different fluorescence patterns (e.g., homogeneous, speckled, centromere) can help identify specific conditions
Used alongside other autoimmune markers for an accurate diagnosis