Test guide
ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) Test
An ANA test is a blood test that looks for antinuclear antibodies in your blood. Antibodies are proteins that your immune system makes to fight foreign substances, like viruses and bacteria. But an antinuclear antibody attacks your healthy cells instead. It's called "antinuclear" because it targets the nucleus of the cells, which is in charge of sending signals that are needed for important cell functions.
What it is for
An ANA test is used to help diagnose autoimmune disorders, such as: Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Medical test information is public domain. Source identity and definition checked automatically on 2026-10-18. No individual clinical interpretation or human reviewer is asserted.
Limitations
Reference intervals and interpretation depend on the laboratory, specimen, method and clinical context. This source definition is educational information; it does not establish a diagnosis, product approval or suitability for an individual.
Also known as
- antinuclear antibody panel, fluorescent antinuclear antibody, FANA, ANA, ANA reflexive panel
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