Understanding and interpreting antinuclear antibody tests in systemic rheumatic diseases

Narrative review of ANA assay techniques (IIF and solid-phase), their advantages/limitations, and how disease context and antibody level affect interpretation. Notes ANA positivity as an entry criterion in 2019 SLE classification criteria and discusses titre-specific information such as likelihood ratios. Candidate notes: ANAs are valuable markers to screen for and support diagnosis of ANA-associated rheumatic diseases. ANA positivity is an entry criterion in the 2019 SLE classification criteria. Specific ANAs (e.g., Sm, dsDNA, SSA/Ro60, U1RNP, topoisomerase I, CENPB, RNA polymerase III, Jo1) are included in classification criteria for other rheumatic diseases. IIF and solid-phase assays each have advantages and limitations; interpretation requires assay performance, disease context, and antibody level. Highlights value of titre-specific information such as likelihood ratios. Limits noted in the record: Review article; full text paywalled in this run—findings from verified EuropePMC abstract (PMID 33154583). 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.

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