ANA Blood Test by ELISA for Autoimmune Screening
Book Thyrocare’s ANA (Anti-Nuclear Antibody) test. This is a primary laboratory screening tool used by clinicians to detect autoantibodies in the blood, serving as a first step in evaluating suspected systemic autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjogren’s syndrome, systemic sclerosis, and related autoimmune conditions.
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Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA) Test: Quick Facts
| Also Known As | ANA Screen, Antinuclear Antibody Screen, Autoimmune Screen. |
| Offer Price | ₹699 |
| Sample Type | Blood (Serum) |
| Fasting | Not required (unless advised for concurrent tests) |
| Testing Lab | Thyrocare (NABL-accredited) |
| Clinical Use | Primary screening tool for evaluating systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARD), such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). |
| Reporting Time | 12 to 24 hours after sample collection |
| Service Type | Free home sample collection (in 2,500+ PIN code areas across India). |
Test Specifications (ANA by ELISA)
This is a specific laboratory screening test for anti-nuclear antibodies that uses ELISA technology.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Test Name | ANA (Anti-Nuclear Antibody) |
| Laboratory Method | ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) |
| Measured Marker | Anti-nuclear antibodies reported in AU/mL value |
| Not the Same As | ANA by IFA (ANA Titer Test) & ANA/ENA Blot Panel (ANA by Immunoblot) |
Note: If your prescription mentions an “ANA Profile” or “ENA Panel” (which tests for specific individual antibodies like SSA, SSB, Sm, RNP, etc.), please inform our team. We offer the comprehensive ANA Blot Profile separately. ANA by IFA is also available.
ANA Test Preparation
- No Fasting: Fasting is not required for the ANA test alone. You may eat and drink as usual before sample collection.
- Medications: Certain medications (like specific blood pressure drugs or anti-seizure medications) can cause temporary, drug-induced positive ANA results. Do not stop your medications, but ensure your doctor is aware of your current prescriptions.
- Combined Orders: If you are booking the ANA test along with a fasting test (e.g., fasting blood sugar or a lipid profile), please follow the 10-12 hour fasting rule for the combined order.
Laboratory Process for the ANA Test
- Sample Collection: A certified phlebotomist will draw a small venous blood sample (2 mL) from your arm at your home or office.
- Testing Method: Thyrocare utilizes the highly automated ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) technique to detect and measure the presence of the antibodies.
- Reporting: The sample is processed at a NABL-accredited laboratory under strict quality controls. Digitally verified reports are released securely via WhatsApp and email within 12 to 24 hours.
Sample Report: ANA Blood Test
Open the sample PDF below to understand the Thyrocare report layout, including how the ANA ELISA results (in AU/mL) are reported against biological reference intervals and interpretation flags.
What is the ANA (Anti-Nuclear Antibody) Test?
Your immune system produces antibodies to fight off infections. However, in autoimmune disorders, the immune system mistakenly produces autoantibodies that attack your body’s own healthy tissues. Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) are a specific type of autoantibody that targets the nucleus (the control center) of your cells.
The ANA test is a first-line serological screening tool used by doctors to detect the presence of these autoantibodies in your blood. It is highly sensitive and is primarily used to evaluate suspected systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARD), such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Sjogren’s syndrome, and Scleroderma.
Clinical Significance of the ANA Test
Because ANA is a screening test, its results provide a directional clue rather than a final diagnosis. A clinician will interpret the ANA value alongside your physical symptoms (like joint pain, chronic fatigue, or unexplained rashes).
| Result Type | Clinical Meaning & Next Steps |
|---|---|
| Negative ANA | Indicates that autoantibodies were not detected at significant levels. A negative result makes a diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) highly unlikely and often eliminates the need for further complex autoimmune antibody testing. |
| Positive ANA | Indicates the presence of anti-nuclear antibodies. However, a positive result does not automatically confirm an autoimmune disease. Up to 15% of completely healthy individuals (especially older women) can have a “false positive” ANA without any underlying illness. |
If your ANA is positive: Your rheumatologist or physician will likely order follow-up, highly specific tests—such as an ANA Profile (ENA Panel) or Anti-dsDNA—to identify exactly which specific nuclear proteins the antibodies are attacking. This helps pinpoint the exact autoimmune disease.
FAQs on ANA Blood Test
What exactly does the ANA test look for?
Is this ANA test the same as ANA by IFA?
Does a positive ANA mean I definitely have Lupus (SLE)?
Can medications interfere with my ANA results?
Do you have any special panel that includes the ANA blood test?
Does a full body checkup cover the ANA test?
What are the other tests advised with the ANA blood test?
If some of the above tests are advised, which is the best option to minimize the cost?
References: MedlinePlus (ANA Test) • Mount Sinai (Antinuclear Antibody Panel)
Note: This information is for educational and test booking purposes. The ANA test is a screening tool, not a standalone diagnostic confirmation. A positive or negative result must always be interpreted by a qualified rheumatologist or physician in conjunction with your clinical symptoms and medical history.
Written by: Hema Mehta Sahoo
Medically reviewed by: Dr. M A Khan, MBBS, MD Pathology
Last updated: May 18, 2026