Anti-Nuclear Antibody / Factor (ANA / ANF) - IFA (HEP-2) Reflex Test

What is an ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) IFA with reflex titer Test?

Antibodies are proteins that are made by the immune system of the body to fight foreign substances, like bacteria and viruses. Anti-Nuclear Antibodies(ANAs) are classified as, antibodies to DNA, antibodies to histones, antibodies to non-histone proteins bound to RNA and antibodies to nucleolar antigens. The antinuclear antibody attacks one's cells by mistake and is called an autoantibody. An ANA IFA test is a blood test that looks for antinuclear antibodies in the blood. They are referred to as antinuclear antibodies because they target the nucleus of the cell. The ANA IFA test is done when the doctor suspects autoimmune diseases. The immune system assaults the joints and other specific organs in autoimmune disorders. A diagnosis is often made using a combination of symptoms, signs, clinical data, and laboratory test results. A single test cannot provide a conclusive diagnosis, although testing for antibodies (linked to many disorders) can be informative.

 

When does the doctor prescribe ANA (antinuclear antibody) IFA with reflex titer test?

A doctor may prescribe this test when he suspects.

• Scleroderma
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Addison disease
• Sjogren's syndrome
• Autoimmune Hepatitis

What are the components of the ANA with IFA reflex titer test?

There are three primary methods for screening ANA tests:

• IFA detects antibodies that attach to a tissue substrate, which, for ANAs, is often fixed HEp-2 cells. 
• Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) detects antibodies that bind to an antigen mixture adhering to a solid surface which replaces the HEp-2 cells.
• Polystyrene bead sets used in multiplex immunoassays (MIA) are identified from one another by their fluorescent signature. 

Note: To diagnose rheumatoid arthritis other biomarkers like cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies,14-3-3η protein, and rheumatoid factor can be considered while diagnosing rheumatoid disease. Other components include Cardiolipin Antibody (IgA, IgG, IgM), Beta-2-Glycoprotein I Antibody (IgM and IgG), RNP antibody, Rheumatoid Factor (IgA, IgG, IgM).

What is the normal range of the ANA IFA reflex test?

• A negative report indicates no that antinuclear antibodies in the blood, 
• A positive report indicates that antinuclear antibodies were detected in the blood, and one might have an autoimmune disease. However, if the report is positive, the doctor may prescribe more tests to make a final diagnosis.

 

Note: Sometimes, healthy people also have antinuclear antibodies in their blood. Therefore having antibodies in the blood doesn't always mean that the patient has an autoimmune disorder. One has to consult their treating physician. Knowing the ANA titer and pattern can help interpret positive ANA results

 

What are the prerequisites for the antinuclear antibody IFA reflex test?

• The sample is collected from the vein
• No special preparations are required for an ANA test.
• There is no risk to the patient.
• Results from an antinuclear antibody test alone cannot diagnose a specific disease.