Clinical Laboratory
Analysis of Antinuclear
Antibody (ANA) Testing
,Introduction
and
Definition
• Definition: Antinuclear antibodies
(ANAs) are autoantibodies
produced when a person's immune
system mistakenly attacks its own
healthy cells. These antibodies
specifically target structures within
the cell's nucleus and cytoplasm.
• Purpose of the Test: ANA testing
is a crucial first step in the
laboratory diagnosis of systemic
autoimmune rheumatic diseases
(SARDs). These diseases include
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
(SLE), Sjögren's syndrome, and
Scleroderma.
, Comparing the Two Methods
• The IFA "Net": • The ELISA "Sniper":
• Acts like casting a wide net. • Acts like a sniper looking
for one specific target.
• Uses actual human cells (HEp-
2) because their unusually • Invented specifically
large nuclei make glowing because scientists urgently
patterns easy to see. needed a safer alternative
to radioactive materials.
• A single IFA test can screen • Extremely versatile—used
for over 150 different types of today for everything from
target antigens all at once! HIV testing to checking
food for allergens.
Analysis of Antinuclear
Antibody (ANA) Testing
,Introduction
and
Definition
• Definition: Antinuclear antibodies
(ANAs) are autoantibodies
produced when a person's immune
system mistakenly attacks its own
healthy cells. These antibodies
specifically target structures within
the cell's nucleus and cytoplasm.
• Purpose of the Test: ANA testing
is a crucial first step in the
laboratory diagnosis of systemic
autoimmune rheumatic diseases
(SARDs). These diseases include
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
(SLE), Sjögren's syndrome, and
Scleroderma.
, Comparing the Two Methods
• The IFA "Net": • The ELISA "Sniper":
• Acts like casting a wide net. • Acts like a sniper looking
for one specific target.
• Uses actual human cells (HEp-
2) because their unusually • Invented specifically
large nuclei make glowing because scientists urgently
patterns easy to see. needed a safer alternative
to radioactive materials.
• A single IFA test can screen • Extremely versatile—used
for over 150 different types of today for everything from
target antigens all at once! HIV testing to checking
food for allergens.
