Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA)
Lab order
in a few minutes
Low prices
since 2005
90 day money-back
guarantee
No waiting
at the doctor's
Labs within
2 miles
Private, accurate
and secure
Private MD Lab Services offers the following test for Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA):
- Reveal autoimmune issues causing your symptoms
- Clarify unexplained joint pain origins
- Detect early signs of chronic diseases
Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) Direct
*** ANA Direct is the Antinuclear Antibodies test included in the Autoimmune Profile ****
What is the antinuclear antibodies test?
The antinuclear antibodies (ANA) test is done to check your immune system. It measures whether your body's immune system has made antibodies that are attacking your body's own cells.
Another name for this blood test is FANA (fluorescent antinuclear antibodies) screen.
Why is this test done?
This test is done to help diagnose systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, or lupus), as well as lupus that is caused by drugs and certain other autoimmune diseases. Lupus is one of several diseases that may cause arthritis (joint inflammation). This test can help confirm a diagnosis when you have symptoms of an autoimmune disease. It may also be done to see how well treatment for lupus is working.
How do I prepare for this test?
No special preparation is needed for this test.
How is the test done?
A small amount of blood is taken from your arm with a needle. The blood is collected in tubes and sent to a lab.
Having this test will take just a few minutes of your time. There is no risk of getting AIDS, hepatitis, or any other blood-borne disease from this test.
How will I get the test result?
Ask your heath care provider when and how you will get the result of your test.
What does the test result mean?
The result of this test alone is not very helpful. If your test result is positive, you may have an autoimmune disease such as lupus. However, many people who do not have an autoimmune disease have a positive test result because they normally have a small amount of antinuclear antibodies in their blood. It is also possible to have a negative result even though you do have an autoimmune disease. To make a diagnosis, your health care provider usually needs to interpret ANA test results with your symptoms, your exam, and other lab tests.
What if my test result is not normal?
Test results are only one part of a larger picture that takes into account your medical history and current health. Sometimes a test needs to be repeated to check the first result. Talk to your health care provider about your result and ask questions.
If your test result is abnormal, ask your health care provider:
- if you need more tests
- when you need to be tested again.
Copyright © 2006 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved.
FAQ
-
What are antinuclear antibodies?
Antinuclear antibodies are directed against the body's normal cells rather than against a foreign virus or bacteria. Since antibodies are found in the blood, a doctor may order blood tests to check if you have antinuclear antibodies if you're presenting symptoms of an autoimmune disease, where your immune system is attacking healthy cells.
-
What do antinuclear antibodies test for?
An antinuclear antibodies test can confirm if you have an autoimmune disease but will not tell you which.
Some of the most common autoimmune diseases are:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Grave's Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Celiac Disease
- Psoriasis
-
What does a positive antinuclear antibodies test mean?
A positive antinuclear antibodies test means you probably suffer from an autoimmune condition. Therefore, if you have a positive result, your doctor will suggest further testing to confirm which autoimmune disease you might be dealing with.
-
What medications affect the results of antinuclear antibody testing?
Some medications can cause false positive testing for ANA antibodies, including:
- Aminosalicylic acid
- Chlorothiazide
- Griseofulvin
- Hydralazine
- Penicillin
- Phenylbutazone
- Streptomycin
- Sulfonamides
On the other hand, steroids can cause false negative results on your ANA testing.
-
Do I need to visit a doctor?
Nope. You don't need a doctor's visit to get a test with us.
-
How do I get my results?
You'll get your results via email as soon as they are available. We will notify you via SMS as well. You can also see them at any time in the future right in your dashboard where you can easily share them with your professional and compare them side by side with future tests.
-
Does my lab prescription expire?
Your order itself never expires. The lab requisition document used by Quest Diagnostics or LabCorp is valid for 12 months from purchase per lab regulations; if it lapses before your visit, we will reissue a new one — in most cases at no additional cost. See our Terms & Conditions for the full policy.
