Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA)
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are immune proteins produced by the body that mistakenly target the nuclei of its own cells. Their presence often indicates an autoimmune disorder, where the immune system attacks healthy tissue. Common conditions associated with high ANA levels include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren's syndrome. Testing for ANA involves a blood test, and while it's a helpful diagnostic tool, it's not definitive. Many healthy people can also have ANA, so doctors consider symptoms and other tests when diagnosing conditions related to autoimmunity.
Additional Insights
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Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) are proteins made by the immune system that mistakenly target the body's own cells. They are often used as markers in medical tests to help diagnose autoimmune diseases, where the immune system attacks healthy tissues. A positive ANA test can indicate conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Sjögren's syndrome, but it isn’t definitive, as some healthy people may also test positive. The presence of ANAs suggests an autoimmune process, prompting further investigation by healthcare providers to determine the specific condition and appropriate treatment.