title: Antinuclear antibody test.
abstract: The antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is widely used as a serological marker of autoimmune disease. Antinuclear antibodies are immunoglobulins or antibodies that bind to one or more antigens expressed within the nucleus of human cells. Used selectively, the ANA test can be a useful laboratory tool to help confirm or exclude the diagnosis of systemic rheumatic disease. However, the relatively high prevalence of ANAs in other inflammatory conditions, as well as healthy individuals, can make a positive result difficult to interpret.
authors.affiliation: MBBS, FRACP, FRCPA, is a Consultant Immunologist, Fremantle Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Western Australia.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: O'Sullivan
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: McLean-Tooke
authors.forename: Richard K S
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Loh
mesh_terms: D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000097:blood*; D034961:Antigens, Nuclear / Q000097:blood; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004247:DNA / Q000276:immunology; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D019084:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; D034961:Antigens, Nuclear; D004247:DNA