Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) are a group of autoantibodies that target nuclear proteins and DNA.

The ANA Profile is a panel of tests that identifies specific autoantibodies associated with autoimmune disorders.

Clinical uses include:

Screening for systemic autoimmune diseases.

Supporting diagnosis of SLE, Sjögren’s syndrome, scleroderma, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, and mixed connective tissue disease.

Monitoring disease activity and treatment response.

The test is performed using a blood sample, typically via ELISA or immunoblot methods.

Analyte: Autoantibodies against nuclear antigens.

Common Antibodies Included in ANA Profile:

Anti-dsDNA

Anti-Smith (Sm)

Anti-RNP

Anti-SSA (Ro)

Anti-SSB (La)

Anti-Scl-70

Anti-centromere

Anti-histone

Normal Result: Negative (no autoantibodies detected).

Positive Result: Presence of specific autoantibodies → indicates autoimmune disease.

Clinical Use:

Helps differentiate between various autoimmune conditions.

Guides further confirmatory tests and clinical management.