ANA

Antinuclear Antibodies

What's

ANA

Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) are special proteins made by your body's defense system. Usually, this defense system keeps you safe from harmful things like germs and viruses. But sometimes, it can get confused and think your own cells are bad, so it makes these antibodies. ANA specifically go after the control center of your cells, where your DNA is kept. If you have ANA in your blood, it could mean that your defense system is extra alert, possibly because of an autoimmune condition.

If Your Levels Are High

Elevated ANA levels might mean that your body's defense system is working extra hard, possibly due to reasons like infections, certain drugs, or even sun exposure. This increased activity could also suggest that your immune system is mistakenly attacking your own cells, which can happen in some autoimmune diseases. However, it's important to remember that high ANA levels can also be present in people who don't have any health problems, as our body's defense system can naturally change its activity. So, having high ANA levels could point to various factors, but it doesn't always mean something is wrong.

Symptoms of High Levels

Symptoms of high levels of ANA may not be specific and can vary widely, but they could include fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, or unexplained fever.

If Your Levels are Low

Low levels of Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) might mean that your body's defense system is working well and not overreacting, which is often seen in autoimmune conditions. This could be because your immune system is well-balanced, or you might not have an autoimmune issue at all. Factors like certain medications (such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants) or maintaining a healthy lifestyle could also contribute to these lower levels. Keep in mind that ANA levels can change over time and may not always show the complete picture of how your immune system is functioning.

Symptoms of Low Levels

Symptoms of low levels of ANA are typically non-existent, as this often aligns with a normally functioning immune system.

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See References

Test for

Antinuclear Antibodies

ANA Screen by Access Med Labs

Serum

The ANA Screen detects the presence of clinically relevant circulating autoantibodies in serum.

ANA Screen by Access Labcorp Draw

Serum

The ANA Screen detects the presence of clinically relevant circulating autoantibodies in serum.

AutoImmune Analyzer by Access Med Labs

Serum

This test measures antinuclear antibodies and other related markers to help diagnose autoimmune disease. Antinuclear antibodies are present in systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren’s Syndrome, scleroderma, mixed connective tissue disease, drug-induced lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Panel (ANA, RF, CCP) by Access Med Labs

Serum

This panel is used to aid in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.

ANA Screen + 11 ANA Components by Access Med Labs

Serum

The ANA Screen detects the presence of clinically relevant circulating autoantibodies in serum. Antinuclear antibodies are present in systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren’s Syndrome, scleroderma, mixed connective tissue disease, drug induced lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

CONTENTS

What is it?

High Levels

Low Levels

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