Autoimmune Screening Test (ANA with Reflex)

This test includes the following process:

 

An ANA Screen Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) is done first to look for antinuclear autoantibodies in human cells.

1. If the ANA Screen IFA is positive, testing will occur to look for dsDNA, Sm/RNP, RNP, Sm, and Chromatin antibodies. If any of those five antibodies are positive, the cascade stops, and the results are reported.
2. If all five of those antibodies are negative, testing will continue and look for SSA, SSB, Scl-70, and Jo-1 antibodies. If any of those four antibodies are positive, the cascade stops, and the results are reported.
3. If all four of those antibodies are negative, testing will continue and look for Ribosomal P and Centromere B.

Please note, after the initial ANA Screen by IFA, testing will stop when the first positive antibody result(s) in a group are found. It is possible that antibodies in subsequent groups are also positive, but will not be tested, or reported.

Signs and symptoms of autoimmune diseases can vary from mild to severe, depending on the cause. Consider discussing your risk factors for autoimmune diseases with your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing any of the following signs or symptoms.

• Inflammation (redness, heat, swelling and pain) in one or more parts of your body
• Tired all of the time
• Swollen glands
• Stiff, painful joints
• Weak or achy muscles
• Abdominal pain/digestive problems
• No appetite
• Rashes, sores, dry/scaly skin
• Fevers
• Breathing troubles/shortness of breath

You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com. Purchases not permitted in: AK, AZ, HI.

You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection. Fasting is not required for this test.

After you provide your specimen, it generally takes up to 5 business days to process and release your test results. However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. If your results differ from expected ranges, you may receive an alert call from an independent healthcare coordinator. Independent physicians are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.

If the ANA Screen is positive for antinuclear autoantibodies, further testing is also performed on the sample you have already provided.