Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA)

Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA) is a type of antibody produced by the immune system that mistakenly targets the nuclei of your own body's cells. Its presence is often associated with autoimmune diseases, where the immune system attacks healthy tissues, such as lupus or Sjögren's syndrome. A blood test measures ANA levels to help diagnose these conditions. However, a positive ANA doesn't always mean you have an illness; it can occur in healthy people as well. Therefore, doctors interpret ANA results alongside other symptoms and tests to determine if an autoimmune disorder may be present.