A screening antibody test for autoimmune conditions such as lupus.
Antinuclear antibodies, or ANA, are antibodies that mistakenly target parts of the body's own cell nuclei. The ANA screen checks whether these antibodies are present in the blood.
A result is reported as a titre, which is how far the blood can be diluted and still show a reaction, for example 1:80 or 1:320. A higher titre means more antibody is present.
The ANA screen is used to help assess possible autoimmune conditions such as lupus, when someone has suggestive symptoms. It is a starting point, not a diagnosis on its own.
A positive ANA is common and often means nothing, especially at low titres. Up to a fifth of healthy people, more often older adults, have a low-level positive result. The result must be read by a doctor alongside symptoms and, if needed, more specific antibody tests.
Aniva reads your result against research-backed ranges, not just the lab's wide normal. The reference shown below is specific to this biomarker.
Reported as a titre, not a concentration. Ranges are guidance only.
| Result | General interpretation |
|---|---|
| Negative or below 1:80 | Usually considered normal |
| 1:160 or higher | More likely clinically significant, needs review |
Low positive titres are common in healthy people. Aligned to German laboratory practice (DGKL).
Low positive ANA occurs in many healthy people, especially with age, and after some infections. Certain medications can trigger a positive ANA. Results and patterns can vary between laboratory methods, so a positive result is interpreted by a doctor.
When positive, often followed by more specific tests such as anti-dsDNA and ENA antibodies, read with symptoms.
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