The ANA test, or anti-nuclear antibody test, is a blood test that can be used to help diagnose autoimmune disorders. When the test results come back positive, this means that the person has a high level of antibodies that are attacking cells in the body. These antibodies are produced by the immune system in response to foreign substances, such as viruses or bacteria.
What is the ANA Test?
The ANA test is a blood test that looks for certain types of antibodies that can indicate autoimmune disorders. These antibodies are produced by the immune system in response to foreign substances such as bacteria or viruses. A positive ANA test result means that the person has a high level of these antibodies in their blood.
What is an Autoimmune Disorder?
An autoimmune disorder is a condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells and tissues, leading to inflammation and damage. There are a variety of different autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren’s syndrome.
What Causes a Positive ANA Test?
A positive ANA test result can be caused by a variety of conditions, including autoimmune disorders. Other causes of a positive ANA test result are certain medications, infections, and even some cancers.
What Should I Do if My ANA Test is Positive?
If your ANA test comes back positive, it is important to speak to your healthcare provider about what this means and what your next steps should be. Your healthcare provider may recommend further testing to determine the cause of the positive result, and to help diagnose any underlying conditions.