Antinuclear Antibodies
Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) are proteins produced by the immune system that mistakenly target the body’s own cells. They are commonly associated with autoimmune diseases, where the immune system attacks healthy tissues, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. ANAs can be detected through blood tests, helping healthcare providers diagnose these conditions. While the presence of ANAs can indicate an autoimmune disorder, not everyone with these antibodies will develop a disease, and some healthy individuals may also test positive. Monitoring ANAs can assist in understanding and managing autoimmune health issues.
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Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) are proteins produced by the immune system that mistakenly target the body's own cells, particularly the nucleus, which contains genetic material. Their presence can indicate autoimmune disorders, where the immune system attacks healthy tissues, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma. Doctors often test for ANAs when a patient exhibits symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, or skin rashes. Although a positive ANA test can suggest an autoimmune condition, it is not definitive; further tests and evaluations are necessary to diagnose specific diseases.