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Autoimmune

ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies)

ANA testing is important for women, as autoimmune diseases disproportionately affect women. SLE, Sjogren syndrome, and scleroderma are all significantly more common in women.

Doctor's Assessment Included

What It Measures

This test detects autoantibodies against nuclear antigens using immunofluorescence or immunoassay. Results include titre (dilution level) and pattern (homogeneous, speckled, nucleolar, centromere), which help guide further testing.

Why It Matters

ANA is the first-line screening test for systemic autoimmune diseases. While a negative ANA largely excludes SLE, a positive ANA alone does not diagnose any specific condition and requires clinical correlation.

When to Test

Testing could be indicated for suspected autoimmune disease: joint pain, skin rashes, unexplained fatigue, Raynaud phenomenon, or organ involvement without clear cause.

Symptoms

Low Levels

A negative ANA makes systemic lupus and many other autoimmune conditions unlikely but does not completely exclude all autoimmune diseases.

High Levels

A positive ANA can be associated with SLE, Sjogren syndrome, scleroderma, mixed connective tissue disease, and other conditions. However, up to 15% of healthy people have low-titre positive ANA.

Lifestyle Tips

If ANA is positive with symptoms, consult a rheumatologist for further evaluation. Manage stress, protect skin from sun exposure (UV can trigger lupus flares), and maintain regular follow-up appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a positive ANA mean I have lupus?
No. ANA is positive in many conditions and in healthy people. SLE requires specific clinical criteria in addition to positive ANA.
What does the ANA pattern mean?
Different patterns suggest different conditions: homogeneous is associated with SLE, centromere with limited scleroderma, nucleolar with diffuse scleroderma.
Can ANA change over time?
Yes. ANA titres can fluctuate. A single borderline result may not be significant and repeat testing may be recommended.

ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies)

€39,-