This is an automatically translated article.
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) include a group of antinuclear antibodies used in the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases. Based on specific antinuclear antibodies to diagnose patients with autoimmune disease or lupus erythematosus. The article will help readers better understand the antinuclear antibody test as well as the ANA antinuclear antibody test procedure.
1. What is an antibody test? What does antinuclear antibody test mean?
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test to measure the amount of an antibody sample in the blood that is working against the body (autoimmune response). This test is therefore used to diagnose systemic autoimmune diseases.
The body's immune system is often attacked and destroyed by invading bacteria and viruses. When disturbed by autoimmune diseases, the immune system attacks and destroys the body's normal tissues. When you have an autoimmune disease, your immune system makes antibodies that attach to damaged cells.
Typical autoimmune diseases include:
lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, polymyositis, scleroderma, Raynaud's disease, Sjogren's syndrome, cirrhosis of the liver
2. When is the antinuclear antibody test indicated?
The doctor will order the patient to have an antinuclear antibody test when there is a suspicion of lupus erythematosus or other systemic autoimmune diseases.
The patient has the following typical symptoms:
Prolonged low-grade fever Body aches and pains in the joints and muscles Appears rash, red butterfly-shaped rash on the face – typical symptoms of SLE endocardium, central nervous system, blood vessels.
3. ANA . Antinuclear Antibody Test Procedure
Before conducting the test The doctor meets the patient and explains the indications for the antinuclear antibody test. View the patient's medical record, the type of drug being used by the patient.
Conduct specimen collection Antinuclear antibody test through blood taken from the patient's brachial vein.
The patient does not need to fast when performing the test.
The technician will use a bandage tied tightly around the arm to stop the blood circulation to help the patient limit the stinging sensation when the needle is inserted.
Disinfect with alcohol at the injection site.
Inject the needle into the vein
Put the specimen in the test tube. Non-anticoagulant test tubes can be used or tubes containing Li-Heparine anticoagulant, EDTA can be used.
Remove the bandage after taking enough, take cotton gauze and place it on the spot where blood has been taken to avoid bleeding.
Storage of specimens Store serum and plasma specimens at 2-8°C for 5 days or -20°C for 6 months. Frozen only once.
Preserving the standard, before running the test, the patient sample must be left at room temperature from 20-25°C until completely defrosted. Shake well before performing the test.
Test result Reference value for test result:
Normal test result: Negative: index < 1.0 Suspicious result when index is between 1.0 – 1.2 Result positive test when index > 1.2. The result is positive when there are more antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in the blood than normal, then the doctor will order some other tests to determine anti-DNA antibodies or antibodies to the cause. dissolve EAN present in the blood in higher than usual amounts. The ANA antinuclear antibody test is used for diagnostic purposes only. Clinical diagnosis is not based only on the results of a single test, but is concluded only when the doctor has all the clinical and laboratory examination results relevant to the patient's health status. From there, a specific treatment plan will be found for each specific patient.
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