The ANA Screen (with Reflex) is a key test used to detect signs of autoimmune activity by identifying antinuclear antibodies (ANA)—immune proteins that mistakenly target the body’s own cells. The presence of these antibodies can indicate that the immune system is attacking healthy tissue, often before symptoms fully develop. This test is commonly used when evaluating unexplained symptoms such as joint pain, fatigue, rashes, or low-grade fevers that could be related to autoimmune conditions like lupus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, or scleroderma.
If ANA is detected, the lab automatically performs a titer and pattern analysis to provide deeper insight. The ANA titer measures how concentrated the antibodies are in the blood—higher titers suggest stronger or more active autoimmune responses. The ANA pattern refers to how the antibodies bind to structures within the nucleus of cells, which can give clues about the specific condition involved. For example, a speckled pattern may suggest lupus or mixed connective tissue disease, while a centromere pattern may be more consistent with limited scleroderma. Together, these three components offer a more nuanced picture of potential autoimmune dysfunction, helping clinicians determine whether further testing or specialist evaluation is needed.
