Description
Why It’s Done
The ANA test is commonly ordered to help diagnose autoimmune diseases, especially when a person has unexplained symptoms such as:
• Fatigue
• Joint pain or swelling
• Persistent fever
• Rashes, especially a butterfly-shaped rash on the face
• Muscle pain
• Sensitivity to sunlight
It is most frequently used to aid in the diagnosis of:
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Sjogren’s Syndrome
• Scleroderma
• Mixed Connective Tissue Disease
• Polymyositis/Dermatomyositis
A positive ANA result does not confirm a diagnosis but supports further investigation for autoimmune conditions.
Preparation for the Test
• Fasting: No fasting is required for the ANA EIA test. You can eat and drink normally unless advised otherwise.
• Medications: Inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you are taking, as certain drugs may affect test results.
• Medical history: Share any history of autoimmune diseases or symptoms with your doctor, which helps in interpreting the test results accurately.
