Antinuclear antibodies in clinical practice

Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) are proteins produced by the immune system that mistakenly target the body's own cell nuclei. Their presence can indicate autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Sjögren’s syndrome. Doctors use ANA blood tests to help diagnose these conditions, as a positive ANA suggests an immune response against the body's tissues. However, ANAs can also be found in healthy individuals or those with infections, so results are interpreted alongside clinical symptoms and other tests. Overall, ANA testing is a valuable tool in evaluating unexplained symptoms that may be related to autoimmune activity.