Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) With HEp-2 Substrate by IFA

ARUP Consult test fact sheet stating ANA by IFA is the preferred screening test for systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases; positive results should guide follow-up testing by the pattern observed and clinical presentation, and a negative IFA ANA does not rule out connective tissue disease. Candidate notes: Methods: semi-quantitative IFA, qualitative/semiquantitative ELISA, multiplex bead assay, immunoblot Reflex: one or more reflexive tests may be added depending on ANA pattern (links to ANA IFA Reflex Testing Algorithm) Limitation: dual/mixed patterns are not reflexed; negative ANA by IFA does not rule out connective tissue disease Limits noted in the record: ANA lacks disease specificity; also seen in infections, malignancies, advanced age, and healthy individuals Page shows last literature review November 2019; no author byline or current revision date displayed A positive ANA is not a diagnosis. Claims in this record are not verified.

A positive ANA is not a diagnosis. Claims in this record are not verified.

source