Anti Nuclear Antibody, EIA
Understanding Anti Nuclear Antibody, EIA
What is Anti Nuclear Antibody, EIA?
The Anti Nuclear Antibody, EIA test helps to identify antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in the blood. These antibodies often attack your body's own tissues specifically targeting each cell's nucleus. This test helps diagnose autoimmune disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma among others.
The Anti Nuclear Antibody, EIA test helps to detect the antibodies that specifically target components within the cell nucleus. The nucleus of the cell houses the genetic material and is central to cellular function, making antibodies against it particularly significant. This test is instrumental in identifying various autoimmune disorders, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Scleroderma, etc.
While an Anti Nuclear Antibody, EIA test can't confirm a specific diagnosis, it serves to rule out certain diseases. A positive result prompts further testing for specific antinuclear antibodies, some of which may be associated with particular diseases. Most individuals may have a minor percentage of ANA in their blood but having too much of it can be a sign of an autoimmune disease.
Anti Nuclear Antibody, EIA test conducted through the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (EIA) method is one of the most sensitive screening tests for detecting even subtle levels of ANAs. This method uses enzymes to find the antibodies in the blood. It is a faster and more automated method.
The Anti Nuclear Antibody, EIA test is typically suggested when a doctor suspects an autoimmune disorder due to symptoms such as joint pain, fatigue, skin rashes, or inflammation. Also, it may be advised if there are risk factors such as aging, obesity, and a family history of autoimmune diseases.
Generally, no special preparations are needed for this test. However, it's advised to inform your doctor about any medications or supplements that you are taking, as certain medications may affect the test results. Additionally, telling a detailed medical history and discussing symptoms can help the doctor correlate the clinical and laboratory findings.
The test results may vary depending on various factors like age, medical history, and certain risk factors among others. Abnormal test results require an expert interpretation; therefore, never try to self-medicate at home based solely on these results, and always consult a doctor for a proper understanding of the test results. The insights from this test help the doctor tailor an appropriate treatment plan.
What is Anti Nuclear Antibody, EIA used for?
An Anti Nuclear Antibody, EIA test is done:
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To detect autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), etc.
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When individuals exhibit symptoms such as joint pain, fatigue, skin rashes, inflammation, etc associated with certain autoimmune conditions.
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To identify the possible presence of autoimmune connective tissue disorders other than SLE such as Polymyositis, Scleroderma, Sjögren's syndrome, etc.
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To monitor the progression and severity of autoimmune disorders over time.
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For risk assessment in individuals with a family history of autoimmune conditions.
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For a comprehensive health evaluation, especially when systemic autoimmune involvement is suspected.
What does Anti Nuclear Antibody, EIA measure?
An Anti Nuclear Antibody, EIA test checks for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in your blood. These antibodies, different from typical ones that fight off invaders in the body, can attach to structures inside cell nuclei. If ANAs are present in the blood, it may suggest that your immune system is overly sensitive, causing inflammation against your own tissues and possibly indicating autoimmune diseases.
Interpreting Anti Nuclear Antibody, EIA results
Interpretations
Results are provided as positive/negative or with an index value against a cutoff value.
A positive ANA test can also be seen in healthy individuals, particularly the elderly or in diseases other than Connective Tissue Disorders (CTD), where it has no diagnostic value.
Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Anti Nuclear Antibody, EIA
Frequently Asked Questions about Anti Nuclear Antibody, EIA
Q. What is an Anti Nuclear Antibody, EIA test?
Q. Why is an Anti Nuclear Antibody, EIA test done?
Q. How is the Anti Nuclear Antibody, EIA test performed?
Q. How often should I get an Anti Nuclear Antibody, EIA test done?
Q. Is there any risk associated with an Anti Nuclear Antibody, EIA test?
Q. What do abnormal Anti Nuclear Antibody, EIA test results indicate?
Q. What factors can affect the Anti Nuclear Antibody, EIA test results?
Q. What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
Q. What is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)?
Q. Can I get an Anti Nuclear Antibody, EIA at home?
Q. If my Anti Nuclear Antibody, EIA test results are abnormal, what additional tests might my doctor recommend?
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References
- Antinuclear Antibody [Internet]. Rochester, NY: University of Rochester Medical Center; [Accessed 21 Dec. 2023]. Available from: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=antinuclear_antibodies
- Rheumatoid Factor - an overview [Internet]. ScienceDirect; [Accessed 21 Dec. 2023]. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/rheumatoid-factor
- Overview of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus) [Internet]. NIH; Oct. 2022. [Accessed 21 Dec. 2023]. Available from: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/lupus
- Kumar Y, Bhatia A, Minz RW. Antinuclear antibodies and their detection methods in diagnosis of connective tissue diseases: a journey revisited. Diagn Pathol. 2009 Jan 2;4:1. [Accessed 21 Dec. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2628865/
- Nosal RS, Superville SS, Amraei R, et al. Biochemistry, Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) [Updated 2022 Dec 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537071/
- Tešija Kuna A, Đerek L, Drvar V, Kozmar A, Gugo K. Assessment of antinuclear antibodies (ANA): National recommendations on behalf of the Croatian society of medical biochemistry and laboratory medicine. Biochem Med (Zagreb). 2021 Jun 15;31(2):020502. [Accessed 21 Dec. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8047791/
- Grygiel-Górniak B, Rogacka N, Puszczewicz M. Antinuclear antibodies in healthy individuals and non-rheumatic diseases - diagnostic and clinical implications. Reumatologia. 2018;56(4):243-248. [Accessed 21 Dec. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6142026/
- Li QZ, Karp DR, Quan J, Branch VK, Zhou J, Lian Y, Chong BF, Wakeland EK, Olsen NJ. Risk factors for ANA positivity in healthy persons. Arthritis Res Ther. 2011 Mar 2;13(2):R38. [Accessed 21 Dec. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3132017/
- Cojocaru M, Cojocaru IM, Silosi I, Vrabie CD. Manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus. Maedica (Bucur). 2011 Oct;6(4):330-6. PMID: 22879850; PMCID: PMC3391953. [Accessed 21 Dec. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3391953/
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