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Autoimmune

ANA Test

ANA is the first-line autoimmune screening test. Including it in a comprehensive panel helps identify autoimmune conditions early, when treatment is most effective.

Doctor's Assessment Included

ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies): what this test measures

This test detects autoantibodies against nuclear antigens using immunofluorescence or immunoassay. Results include titre (dilution level) and pattern (homogeneous, speckled, nucleolar, centromere), which help guide further testing.

ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies): why this value matters

ANA is the first-line screening test for systemic autoimmune diseases. While a negative ANA largely excludes SLE, a positive ANA alone does not diagnose any specific condition and requires clinical correlation.

ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies): how the blood test works

Referral
No GP referral needed. After the order we arrange the referral through ZorgDomein, within one business day; orders after 17:00 or at the weekend start on the next business day. ZorgDomein emails a barcode, and that barcode is what the draw site needs.
The draw
A blood draw from a vein in the arm, at a partner laboratory's draw site. No home kit, no finger prick.
Which test
on its own €39,-
Where
650+ draw sites run by independent laboratories across the Netherlands. Draw sites

ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies): when is testing worthwhile?

Testing could be indicated for suspected autoimmune disease: joint pain, skin rashes, unexplained fatigue, Raynaud phenomenon, or organ involvement without clear cause.

ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies): symptoms of a high or low value

Low Levels

A negative ANA makes systemic lupus and many other autoimmune conditions unlikely but does not completely exclude all autoimmune diseases.

High Levels

A positive ANA can be associated with SLE, Sjogren syndrome, scleroderma, mixed connective tissue disease, and other conditions. However, up to 15% of healthy people have low-titre positive ANA.

ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies): lifestyle and this value

If ANA is positive with symptoms, consult a rheumatologist for further evaluation. Manage stress, protect skin from sun exposure (UV can trigger lupus flares), and maintain regular follow-up appointments.

ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies): frequently asked questions

Does a positive ANA mean I have lupus?

No. ANA is positive in many conditions and in healthy people. SLE requires specific clinical criteria in addition to positive ANA.

What does the ANA pattern mean?

Different patterns suggest different conditions: homogeneous is associated with SLE, centromere with limited scleroderma, nucleolar with diffuse scleroderma.

Can ANA change over time?

Yes. ANA titres can fluctuate. A single borderline result may not be significant and repeat testing may be recommended.

Medical reviewer

Medical standards

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Medical policy
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ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies)

€39,-