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Answer · biomarkers
What is ANA (antinuclear antibodies)?
Short answer
ANA detects autoantibodies targeting nuclear components. It is the primary screening assay for autoimmune connective tissue disease.
Reviewed by Dr. Laura PurdyMay 29, 2026
Full answer
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) screen for autoimmune connective tissue disease including lupus, Sjögren's syndrome, scleroderma, and mixed connective tissue disease. Low-titer positives are common in healthy adults; titer, immunofluorescence pattern, and reflex testing drive interpretation. Within oMeds review, ANA is ordered selectively when symptoms suggest autoimmunity and is interpreted alongside RF, anti-CCP, complement levels, and clinical findings, never as a standalone diagnosis.
Educational. Not a substitute for individualized provider review.
References & sources
- ANA — Primary source · oMeds
- Reviewed by Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA · Clinical Director, oMeds · Last reviewed 2026-05-29
Primary source
ANA 
