Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA)

This test is used for the diagnosis of autoimmune disorders by evaluating the presence of different nuclear antibodies in the blood. These nuclear antibodies (autoantibodies) are produced by the immune system as a result of its failure to distinguish self from non self. This deficiency causes a systematic disruption in tissues throughout the body as these antibodies target the nucleus of the cells present in the tissues. The symptoms that lead to the recommendation of this test include general weakness and fatigue, pain and swelling in muscles and joints, hair loss, rash and numbness in peripheries (feet and hands).