Anti-nuclear Antibody Titre Test
3,150 Kshs | Home Collection Available
Synonyms
ANA titre
Purpose
The Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA) Titre Test is a blood test that detects the presence and concentration of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs), which target the nuclei of your body’s cells.
This test is important for diagnosing autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, and scleroderma. It helps clinicians assess the immune system’s abnormal response and guide further diagnostic decisions.
Other medical laboratory tests commonly performed alongside the ANA Titre Test include Rheumatoid Factor (RF), Anti-dsDNA (double-stranded DNA), Anti-Smith (Sm) Antibody Test, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), and Complete Blood Count (CBC).
Patient Preparation
No special preparation needed
Samples
1 mL serum collected in a red-top tube or gel-barrier tube. Separate the serum within 45 minutes of sample collection. Samples are stable when frozen for 14 days.
Reference Range
<1:16
Results Turnaround
2-4 days after receipt of samples.
Diseases / Diagnostic Indicators
The ANA Titre Test is primarily used to detect autoimmune diseases. A positive ANA result indicates the presence of antinuclear antibodies, which are commonly found in individuals with autoimmune disorders.
A negative result generally suggests the absence of an autoimmune disorder, although some conditions may still be present without detectable ANA levels.
The titre (concentration) and pattern of fluorescence (e.g., homogeneous, speckled, nucleolar) seen under a microscope provide additional clues about the specific autoimmune condition present. For instance:
- Nucleolar pattern may suggest scleroderma.
- A homogeneous pattern may indicate SLE or drug-induced lupus.
- A speckled pattern may be linked to MCTD or Sjögren’s syndrome.
For more on ANA Testing, read this study.