How Do You Read ANA Blood Test Results?
An antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is a blood test used to diagnose autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It may be ordered in conjunction with other autoantibody tests such as ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) or CRP (C-reactive protein) for more specific diagnostic studies. Symptoms that precipitate the need for an ANA blood test include joint pain, fatigue and low-grade fever. Determine the test result by the use of either indirect immuno-fluorescence microscopy or ELISA (enzyme-linked immunoabsorbant assay). The presence or lack of fluorescence indicates the results at different titers (the point at which the blood sample can be diluted before antibodies can no longer be observed). Identify specific fluorescent patterns in cells when the slide is observed under a microscope. A diffuse or homogeneous pattern, speckled pattern and peripheral pattern are associated with SLE. Homogeneous and speckled patterns are also associated with mixed connective tissu
