Clinical Laboratory Analysis of
Antinuclear Antibody (ANA)
Testing
,Introduction and
Definition
• Definition: Antinuclear antibodies
(ANAs) are autoantibodies produced
when a person's immune system
mistakenly attacks its own healthy
cells. These antibodies specifically
target structures within the cell's
nucleus and cytoplasm.
• Purpose of the Test: ANA testing is a
crucial first step in the laboratory
diagnosis of systemic autoimmune
rheumatic diseases (SARDs). These
diseases include Systemic Lupus
Erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's
syndrome, and Scleroderma.
, Comparing the Two Methods
• The IFA "Net": • The ELISA "Sniper":
• Acts like casting a wide net. • Acts like a sniper looking for one
specific target.
• Uses actual human cells (HEp-2)
because their unusually large • Invented specifically because
nuclei make glowing patterns easy scientists urgently needed a
to see. safer alternative to radioactive
materials.
• A single IFA test can screen for over • Extremely versatile—used today
150 different types of target for everything from HIV testing
antigens all at once! to checking food for allergens.
Antinuclear Antibody (ANA)
Testing
,Introduction and
Definition
• Definition: Antinuclear antibodies
(ANAs) are autoantibodies produced
when a person's immune system
mistakenly attacks its own healthy
cells. These antibodies specifically
target structures within the cell's
nucleus and cytoplasm.
• Purpose of the Test: ANA testing is a
crucial first step in the laboratory
diagnosis of systemic autoimmune
rheumatic diseases (SARDs). These
diseases include Systemic Lupus
Erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's
syndrome, and Scleroderma.
, Comparing the Two Methods
• The IFA "Net": • The ELISA "Sniper":
• Acts like casting a wide net. • Acts like a sniper looking for one
specific target.
• Uses actual human cells (HEp-2)
because their unusually large • Invented specifically because
nuclei make glowing patterns easy scientists urgently needed a
to see. safer alternative to radioactive
materials.
• A single IFA test can screen for over • Extremely versatile—used today
150 different types of target for everything from HIV testing
antigens all at once! to checking food for allergens.
