ANA test (immunofluorescence on HEp-2 cells) in Bhubaneswar
What the test measures
ANA are antibodies that bind to parts of your own cell nuclei. The IFA method shows how strongly they are present (the titre, for example 1:80 or 1:320) and how they stain the cell (the pattern, such as homogeneous, speckled, nucleolar or centromere). The pattern helps your rheumatologist decide which follow-up tests are needed.
When your doctor may order it
- Joint pain or swelling with rash, mouth ulcers, hair loss, fever or tiredness
- Dry eyes and dry mouth (possible Sjögren’s syndrome)
- Fingers that turn white or blue in the cold (Raynaud’s), or tight, thickened skin
- Unexplained low blood counts, protein in the urine or inflammation of several organs
Understanding the result
A negative ANA makes lupus very unlikely. A positive ANA does not by itself mean you have an autoimmune disease: low-titre ANA is found in many healthy people, especially women and older adults. Your rheumatologist reads the titre and pattern together with your symptoms and examination, and may order an ENA profile or anti-dsDNA next.
This page gives general information. Your result must be interpreted by your doctor together with your symptoms and examination.
Seeing a rheumatologist?
Lupus, Sjögren’s and other autoimmune conditions are diagnosed and treated by OARC’s rheumatologists.
Related tests
Frequently asked questions
Is a positive ANA test serious?
Not always. Up to one in five healthy people can have a low-titre positive ANA. It becomes significant when the titre is high, the pattern fits, and there are symptoms or other abnormal tests. A rheumatologist should interpret it.
Why is ANA by IFA better than ANA by ELISA?
IFA on HEp-2 cells is the internationally recommended screening method because it detects a wider range of antibodies and gives a pattern that guides further testing. ELISA-only screening can miss some antibodies.
Do I need to fast for an ANA test?
No. You can eat and drink normally before the test.
Book a test or home sample collection
Share your doctor’s prescription on WhatsApp and our team will confirm a collection slot at OARC Saheed Nagar, OARC Sailashree Vihar or your home.