Antinuclear Antibodies Test

What is the antinuclear antibodies test?

The antinuclear antibodies (ANA) test is a blood test of the immune system.

Another name for this test is FANA (fluorescent antinuclear antibodies) screen.

Why is this test done?

This test checks for antibodies that may be attacking your body’s own cells. Antibodies are the proteins your immune system makes to fight infections, such as the flu and measles. The immune system is your bodyâ€™s defense against infection. If you have an autoimmune disease, your body also makes antibodies that attack normal, healthy tissue–for example, skin, blood vessels, or joints. This test can help make a diagnosis when you have symptoms of an autoimmune disease, such as lupus. This test may also be done to see how well treatment for a disease is working.

How do I prepare for this test?


How is the test done?



What does the test result mean?

To make a diagnosis, your healthcare provider usually needs to consider the ANA test results along with your medical history, exam, other lab tests, and your symptoms over time. If your test result is positive, you may have an autoimmune disease. However, many people who do not have an autoimmune disease have a positive test result. Itâ€™s also possible to have a negative result even when you do have an autoimmune disease.

What if my test result is not normal?


  • If you need more tests
  • What kind of treatment you might need
Developed by RelayHealth.
Adult Advisor 2015.1 published by RelayHealth.
Last modified: 2013-10-18
Last reviewed: 2013-10-10

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