What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, or other symptoms that suggest an autoimmune condition like lupus (SLE). It detects PCNA antibodies, which are highly specific markers found in a small percentage of lupus patients and are often associated with more serious kidney involvement. Many people use this test when their doctor suspects lupus or wants to assess disease severity and kidney risk.

What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your PCNA antibody result means for your autoimmune health and potential lupus diagnosis. These notes include personalized recommendations like lifestyle modifications, when to see a rheumatologist or nephrologist, and what additional testing might be helpful. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your antibody levels over time using our trends feature to monitor disease activity if you're managing lupus.

What's included in this test?

This test measures PCNA Antibody using IFA (Immunofluorescence Assay) methodology. This test specifically measures PCNA (Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen) antibodies using immunofluorescence assay (IFA) methodology. PCNA antibodies are rare but highly specific markers for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and their presence is associated with a higher risk of diffuse glomerulonephritis, a serious kidney complication. This test helps doctors assess lupus severity and kidney involvement risk.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is important for people with suspected or confirmed lupus (SLE), especially those with symptoms suggesting kidney involvement like changes in urination, swelling, or high blood pressure. It's also valuable for patients with positive ANA results who need more specific autoimmune antibody profiling, and for those already diagnosed with lupus to assess disease severity and guide treatment decisions.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Symptoms that might warrant this test include persistent fatigue, joint pain and swelling, skin rashes (especially a butterfly-shaped rash on the face), fever without infection, chest pain, and sensitivity to sunlight. If you're experiencing kidney-related symptoms like foamy urine, swelling in legs or around eyes, or changes in urination patterns along with other lupus symptoms, this test can help assess kidney involvement risk.

How can I support my health if I have autoimmune concerns?

While autoimmune conditions require medical management, you can support your health by getting adequate rest and managing stress through meditation or gentle yoga. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting processed foods may help. Protecting your skin from sun exposure with sunscreen and protective clothing, avoiding smoking, and staying current with vaccinations are also important for managing autoimmune conditions.

What is PCNA and why does it matter?

PCNA (Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen) is a protein that plays a key role in DNA replication and cell division. When your immune system mistakenly produces antibodies against PCNA, it indicates a specific type of autoimmune response seen in about 3-5% of lupus patients. The presence of PCNA antibodies is highly specific to lupus and is particularly important because it's associated with more severe kidney disease, helping doctors predict complications and tailor treatment accordingly.

What does a positive PCNA antibody result mean?

A positive result means PCNA antibodies were detected in your blood, which is highly specific for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This finding suggests you likely have lupus and indicates a higher risk of developing diffuse glomerulonephritis, a serious type of kidney inflammation. Your doctor will use this information along with other tests and symptoms to confirm diagnosis, assess disease severity, and develop an appropriate treatment plan that may include kidney monitoring.

What does a negative PCNA antibody result mean?

A negative result means no PCNA antibodies were detected in your blood. This doesn't rule out lupus, since PCNA antibodies are only found in a small percentage of lupus patients (3-5%). If lupus is still suspected based on your symptoms, your doctor may order additional autoimmune antibody tests like anti-dsDNA, anti-Smith, or anti-RNP antibodies to help with diagnosis.

How often should I retest PCNA antibodies?

If you test negative but lupus is still suspected, your doctor may retest in several months as autoantibodies can develop over time. For patients with positive PCNA antibodies and confirmed lupus, retesting frequency depends on your disease activity and kidney function—typically every 3-6 months during active disease or medication changes, and less frequently when stable. Your rheumatologist will determine the best monitoring schedule based on your individual situation and kidney health.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Autoimmune Test - Joint Pain & Fatigue Check

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]

Blood Test for Autoimmune Symptoms and Unexplained Fatigue

PCNA Antibody, IFA

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

What's included in this test?

What happens after I get my results?

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Blood Test for Autoimmune Symptoms and Unexplained Fatigue

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say