Antinuclear Antibody (ANA)Test: Introduction, Principle, Procedure, Result

Antinuclear Antibody (ANA)Test: Introduction, Principle, Procedure, Result Interpretation, Clinical Significance and Keynotes

Introduction of Antinuclear Antibody (ANA)Test

Antinuclear antibody (ANA)test is a type of blood test in which serum tested for autoantibodies ( SLE) directed against native deoxyribonucleic acid and other nuclear constituents are produced. It involves a variety of tissues and is associated with a wide range of antibodies in the circulation. Characteristics of the disease are antibodies against native DNA, nucleoprotein, denatured DNA, and other affects a wide range of tissues. The organs affected are, in decreasing incidence, joints, skin, kidney, central nervous system, heart, and lungs.

Principle of Antinuclear Antibody (ANA)Test

Latex particles are bound with native DNA by means of an intermediary albumin matrix. These coated latex particles combine with any antibodies to n- DNA in serum to give a visible agglutination.

Test requirements for Antinuclear Antibody Test

Serum (non- hemolyzed)
Diagnostic kit: It contains the following materials-
Anti-n DNA latex reagent
Positive control
Negative control
Plastic slide/Agglutination slide or tile
Dropper pipette/Micropipette
Extra we need-Tube rack
Waste disposing bin
Gloves

Procedure of ANA Test

Bring all reagents to room temperature and mix gently before use.
Place 1/1 drop of test sample (sreum), Positive Control (red cap),and Negative Control (green cap) in separate divisions (cells) of the same slide respectively as shown above image.
Anti-n DNA latex reagent/SLE latex reagent to each cell.
Mix with flat end of pipette/mixer and spread fluid evenly over each cell.
Tilt the slide back and forth slowly for 2 minutes.
Observe for agglutination.

Result Interpretation of Antinuclear Antibody (ANA)Test

Agglutination:Positive

No agglutination: Negative

Test (1): Positive due to agglutination

Positive Control (2): Positive

Negative Control (3): Negative

Clinical Significance of ANA Test

ANA test is useful when you have conditions like joint or muscle pain, stiffness or swelling,tiredness, recurring or persistent fever, a red rash on the cheeks and bridge , numbness and tingling in your hands or feet and hair loss.
ANA test is positive in variety health conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjogren’s syndrome, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, polymyositis, juvenile chronic arthritis , dermatomyositis, polyarteritis nodosa and autoimmune hepatitis.

Keynotes on ANA Test

The frequency of SLE is high in the women (approximately 3-4 times more frequent in men).
Reagent positive and negative control are stable at 2-8°C.
Bring reagent, positive and negative control to room temperature (25°C-/+ 5°C) prior to use.
False positive ANA test may occur due to following conditions- a woman age 65 or older, mononucleosis or tuberculosis and taking blood pressure or anti-seizure drugs.

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