Antinuclear antibody profile

An antinuclear antibody (ANA) profile is a blood test that detects specific antibodies targeting the nucleus of cells, which can indicate an autoimmune disorder. These antibodies mistakenly attack the body's own cells, often seen in conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. The profile identifies which types of ANA are present and their levels, helping doctors diagnose or rule out autoimmune diseases. A positive ANA doesn't always mean disease, but it guides further testing and assessment of symptoms to determine the cause of an immune system imbalance.