Test Category: Immunology
Investigation Name:Anti-Nuclear Antibodies (ANA)
Alias or Abbreviation:ANA, ANF
Intro:
Indication: Preliminary investigation of connective tissue diseases; autoimmune liver disease. Further information: Anti-nuclear antibodies are relatively non-specific markers of autoimmune disease, particularly connective tissue diseases. They can be induced by some chronic infections. The test is used as an initial screen to assess the need for more specific tests (ENA and anti-DNA antibodies), which are automatically carried out on ANA positive samples The presence of ANA in significant titre (>1/80) is not specific for SLE and can also be seen in 15-50% of patients with other auto-immune diseases e.g., Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, Scleroderma, Dermatomyositis and in autoimmune liver disease. Weak positive ANA is usually of no specific diagnostic value. NOTE: Positive ANA (>1:80) will reflex a dsDNA and ENA Screen NOTE: Specific ANA patterns will trigger additional reflex tests: • Positive Nucleolar reflex Systemic Sclerosis Antibody Blot • Positive Nuclear dot reflex Autoimmune Liver disease Blot • Positive Nuclear membrane reflex Autoimmune liver Disease Blot NOTE: Positive Cytoplasmic pattern will reflex (depending on pattern): • Myositis Antibodies Blot • ENA Screen • Liver antibody screen (AMA or SMA)Requestable Seperately?Yes
Minimum Sample Volume:1mL
Expected Turnaround Time:Frequency of testing: Daily Target: 4 days
Test Code:ANA
Sample Type:
Serum Gel Tube (Gold top)Complex Reference Range:Positive/ Negative Titration is reported when indicated
Collection Conditions / Other Information:1st class post or Transport
Referred to Another Laboratory?No
Storage Requirements:Ambient temperature
NPEX / PDF Reporting Available:Yes
EQA Scheme:Yes
Lead Contact Details:rwh-tr.bcpsimmunologyclinicalqueries@nhs.net
Email Address For Chasing Results:rwh-tr.ImmunologyLab@nhs.net
Methodology:Indirect Immunofluorescence
UKAS Reference Number:Awaiting assessment
Site Sample Tested:Immunology, New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton
Minimum Request Interval (MRI):180 days (6 months) over 16y only
