Antinuclear antibody
(ANA)

Sample type:

Serum

Test use:

Help to diagnose autoimmune disorders include:

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This is the most common type of lupus, a chronic disease affecting multiple parts of the body, including the joints, blood vessels, kidneys, and brain .Rheumatoid arthritis, a condition that causes pain and swelling of the joints, mostly in the hands and feet. Scleroderma, a rare disease affecting the skin, joints, and blood vessels.

Precautions:

You don’t need any special preparation for this test. Tell your healthcare provider whether you have had any recent or long-term infections. Also, let your provider know about any medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter medicines, herbs, and supplement.

Interfering factors:

1) Drugs, such as procainamide and hydralazine, may cause a positive ANA result.

2) Positive ANA levels may be found after viral illnesses and with some chronic infections.

Pre analytical errors:

1) Unlabelled sample

2) Error in patient preparation, sample collection, transportation, and preparation for analysis and storage.

Post analytical errors:

1) Sent results to incorrect patient.

2) Delayed reporting.

Corrective actions:

1) Rejecting any sample without labelling.

2) Sending the report to the correct person.