Lab test · Immunology
Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA)
Autoimmune disease screen (lupus)
- Blood sample
- No fasting
- Report within 3 days
- Home collection
What this test is for
Autoimmune disease screen (lupus)
An ANA test looks for autoantibodies, which are antibodies that mistakenly target the nucleus of your own cells. It is a first screening test when a doctor suspects an autoimmune disease such as lupus, Sjögren's syndrome or scleroderma. When the test is done by immunofluorescence, the report also gives a titre, which shows how strong the result is, and a pattern, which can hint at the type of condition.
Why a doctor may order it
- Joint pain or swelling with tiredness or unexplained fever
- A rash on the face, or a rash that worsens in sunlight
- Mouth ulcers, hair loss or fingers that turn white or blue in the cold
- Protein or blood in the urine without a clear cause, when lupus is possible
- As a first step before more specific autoimmune tests
How to prepare
Fasting: Not needed.
You do not need to fast; eat and drink as normal. Keep taking your usual medicines, but tell your doctor about all of them, as a few medicines can cause a positive ANA. There is no need to stop any treatment before the test unless your doctor asks.
At home
- Sample
- Blood sample
- How it works
- A trained collector takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm at your home. It takes a few minutes, and you can carry on with your day straight afterwards.
- Report
- Within 3 days of collection.
What the results can mean
A negative ANA makes lupus unlikely. A positive result is common in autoimmune conditions but is also found in some healthy people, especially women and older adults, and after certain infections or medicines, so it does not diagnose a disease by itself. Your doctor will interpret the titre and pattern with your symptoms and examination, and may order tests such as anti-dsDNA or complement C3.
What's included
One test: Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA), from one blood sample.
Related tests
- Anti-dsDNA AntibodyThis blood test measures antibodies against double-stranded DNA, the genetic material inside the cell nucleus.
- Complement C3Immune system activity (lupus)৳750
- Rheumatoid Factor (RF)Rheumatoid arthritis check৳430
- Anti-CCP Antibodies (Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide)Rheumatoid arthritis check৳910
- HLA-B27Ankylosing spondylitis risk৳3,150
Questions people ask
Does a positive ANA mean I have lupus?
Not necessarily. Many people with a positive ANA, particularly at low titres, never develop an autoimmune disease. Your doctor looks at the whole picture before making any diagnosis.
What do the ANA titre and pattern mean?
The titre shows how far the blood can be diluted and still give a positive result; a higher titre is more likely to be significant. The pattern describes how the antibodies stain the cells and can point towards particular conditions.
What tests usually follow a positive ANA?
Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may order anti-dsDNA, complement levels, a blood count, kidney tests and a urine test, or antibody tests for other autoimmune conditions.
How much does a ANA test cost in Dhaka?
With Mukti Health the price is ৳550, and the sample is collected at your home in Dhaka. You see the price again before you confirm the booking in the Mukti Health app.
Can I do the ANA test at home in Dhaka?
Yes. Book it in the Mukti Health app and a trained sample collector comes to your home in Dhaka to take the blood sample. You do not need to go to a laboratory.
How long does the ANA report take?
The report is usually ready within 3 days of the sample being collected.