Open AccessAnti-nuclear antibodies: A practical approach to testing and interpretation
Author(s) -
Parvathy Santhosh,
Kidangazhiathmana Ajithkumar
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of skin and sexually transmitted diseases./journal of skin and sexually transmitted diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2994-6026
pISSN - 2582-3175
DOI - 10.25259/jsstd_40_2020
Subject(s) - ctd , antibody , asymptomatic , immunofluorescence , anti nuclear antibody , titer , clinical practice , medicine , antibody titer , immunology , pathology , autoantibody , physical therapy , oceanography , geology
Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANAs) are a group of antibodies that are characteristically associated with connective tissue diseases (CTDs). Indirect immunofluorescence antibody technique, having a high sensitivity, is the most common technique used for detection, results of which are expressed in terms of the pattern of fluorescence, substrate used, and the titer of a positive test. Other methods include solid-phase assays. ANA test must be performed only when there is a clinical suspicion of an autoimmune CTD. ANA should not be used as a screening tool for asymptomatic individuals. It is essential in clinical practice to be aware of when to order ANA testing, and how to correctly interpret the test results.