Contents
In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
First of all, the ANA study is designed to find traces of antinuclear antibodies in the human body. They are most often performed in the case of suspicion of lupus, autoimmune diseases, rheumatic diseases and in an attempt to diagnose connective tissue disease, i.e. collagenosis. ANA antibodies are directed against specific components of the cell nucleus.
ANA test – antibodies
Most of the antibodies in the human body protect the body against viruses and microorganisms, making up the immune system. ANA are antinuclear antibodies, which is a type of protein. They have the ability to bind to the cell nucleus, in which case the body begins to destroy its own cells and tissues, causing symptoms of the disease.
ANA test – how is it done?
ANA study is performed on the basis of a blood sample taken from the patient’s ulnar vein. It is tested with the use of fluorescent techniques – in this way it becomes possible to detect the presence of antibodies in the cells. Thanks to this, their level is measured and the degree (titer) of adverse effect on the body is marked. ANA research Therefore, it is mainly associated with conditions in which the immune system, i.e. healthy human tissue, is destroyed. Results ANA studies therefore it is also used in the diagnosis of inflammation of muscles, joints or in case of Sjögern syndrome (impairment of the lacrimal glands and salivary glands). In addition, they are also performed to diagnose autoimmune hepatitis, Raynaud’s symptoms (ear, nose, and numbness in arms and legs).
ANA Testing – Determination and Values for Antibodies
Each of the antibodies is marked with ANA studies numbers from 1 to 3. They indicate the order of the tests. The first is a screening test to determine whether the antibodies are present in the blood and what type of light they have: homogeneous, granular or peripheral. The other two tests are performed in the event of a positive result. The mentioned markings in ANA study they have one more very important use. They suggest the nature and identity of the disease. In a word, they define it in a way and help the doctor to make an accurate diagnosis.
To be more precise, let us state that a positive ANA test result confirms the presence of antinuclear antibodies in the body, while a negative result excludes this possibility.. There is also a possibility of the appearance of an increased level of antibodies in quite healthy people. That’s okay ANA study repeat it and leave the interpretation of the result to a specialist doctor.