Anti Nuclear Antibodies Blot Test Elisa Blood
What is this test?
An antinuclear antibodies blot test ELISA test is used to detect the presence of antinuclear antibodies in the blood. This test helps to detect or diagnose certain autoimmune diseases.
What are antinuclear antibodies (ANA)?
Antibodies are proteins produced by our immune system to fight against foreign substances such as bacterias and viruses. Sometimes the immune system produces antibodies called autoantibodies that attack the body’s own tissues and cells. Antinuclear antibodies are such autoantibodies produced by our immune system that attacks and destroys the body’s normal tissues and cells. They target the nucleus of the cells and hence called antinuclear antibodies. The presence of high levels of ANA may indicate an autoimmune disease.
Why this test is performed?
This test is one among many primary tests performed to detect or diagnose the presence of autoimmune disorders. Your doctor may ask you to perform this test if he suspects autoimmune disorders such as Systemic lupus erythematosus (a chronic inflammatory disease that affects many parts of the body), Scleroderma (a rare disease that causes hard and thickened skin, joints etc), Rheumatoid arthritis (a condition that affects the joints), Sjogren’s syndrome (a condition affecting the body’s moisture making glands resulting in dry eyes and dry mouth), Juvenile arthritis (joint disorder in children) etc.
You may also be advised to perform this test if you experience any signs and symptoms of autoimmune disorders such as fatigue, fever, muscle pain, red butterfly-shaped rash, pain, and swelling in joints etc. This test helps to detect the presence of an autoimmune disorder but does not diagnose the exact disease. Your doctor may ask you to perform a few more additional tests to identify the type of autoimmune disorder.
Also known as Anti Nuclear Antibodies Blot Test ELISA.
Test Preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Anti Nuclear Antibodies Blot Test Elisa Blood. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Anti Nuclear Antibodies Blot Test Elisa Blood.
No specific preparation is required for this test. However, follow all the instructions given by your healthcare provider.
Understanding your test results
The test results may vary depending on gender, age, health conditions, and other factors.
If the test result is positive or shows the presence of antinuclear antibodies in the blood, this may indicate that you are likely to have autoimmune diseases. A positive result can be seen in individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus, or with any type of autoimmune disorders. A positive ANA test result does not clearly confirm that you have an autoimmune disorder. Your doctor may ask you to perform a few more additional tests to diagnose an autoimmune disorder.
Many healthy individuals may also have antinuclear antibodies in their blood. Women older than 65 may also show positive ANA test without any disease. Some infections, autoimmune hepatitis, cancer or use of certain medicines may give a positive ANA test.
If the test result is negative or no antinuclear antibodies are detected in the blood, this may indicate that you are unlikely to have autoimmune diseases.
Based on your test results, your doctor may advise appropriate medical treatments or further diagnostic tests.
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| UNISEX | All age groups | The result is positive in case of Autoimmune disorders |