ANA (Antinuclear Antibody)

Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) are proteins produced by the immune system that mistakenly target the body's own cell nuclei. Their presence usually indicates an autoimmune disorder, where the immune system attacks healthy tissues. ANA tests are commonly used to help diagnose conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases. A positive ANA doesn't confirm a specific disease but indicates the need for further evaluation, as some healthy individuals can also have positive results. The test helps doctors understand whether an autoimmune process might be contributing to a person's symptoms.