Synonyms

ANA, ANF, nuclear antibody

Clinical Indications

Investigation of connective tissue diseases.

Test Includes

Assayed by ELISA, which measures clinically significant DNA, ENA and centromere antibodies. Positive and equivocal samples will be tested for dsDNA and ENA antibodies.

Request Form

Combined Pathology Blood form (Yellow/Black)

Availability

Analysed by referral laboratory.

Specific Criteria

Clinical suspicion of non-organ specific autoimmune disease.

Turnaround Time

Two weeks

Specimen

Serum

Volume

2 ml

Container

Yellow top (SST) tube

Lab. Handling

Aliquot and store at 4°C

Causes for Rejection

Assay within previous month

Reference Range

Negative - <1. The ANA test is sensitive for the diagnosis of SLE but cannot be used to screen for SLE since a large number of diverse conditions are associated with a positive ANA result, and a substantial number of normal healthy persons have a positive test result. Conditions associated with positive ANA.