Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA), Serum

Casandra

Casandra Test Code MC20250Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab Mayo Clinic LabLab Test ID ANA2CPT Code 86038

Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA), Serum

Clinical Use

Use

Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) are detectable in individuals with various autoimmune diseases, particularly systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases, also known as connective tissue diseases. This test evaluates patients at risk for ANA-associated systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjogren syndrome (SjS), and mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). ANAs are common in systemic autoimmune diseases, making this a useful screening test for associated conditions.

Special Instructions

If a connective tissue disorder is suspected, consider performing the Connective Tissue Disease Cascade test. For suspicion of autoimmune liver disease, refer to the Autoimmune Liver Disease Panel.

Limitations

Weakly positive ANA ELISA results may be false positives and may not strongly indicate systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease (SARD). Negative results using ELISA do not rule out other connective tissue diseases such as systemic sclerosis and inflammatory myopathies, where ANA IFA may be more effective. It's essential to confirm weakly positive ANA results with additional testing for more definitive autoantibody detection. Moreover, ANAs may also be detected after viral illnesses, chronic infections, or due to certain medications, which can complicate interpretations.

Test Details

FDA Approved