Menu

An expert resource for medical professionals
Provided FREE as a service to women’s health

The Alliance for
Global Women’s Medicine
A worldwide fellowship of health professionals working together to
promote, advocate for and enhance the Welfare of Women everywhere

Welfare of Women

The Global Library of Women’s Medicine
Clinical guidance and resources

A vast range of expert online resources. A FREE and entirely CHARITABLE site to support women’s healthcare professionals

The Global Academy of Women’s Medicine
Teaching, research and Diplomates Association

Menu

Laboratory Tests

This section provides detailed information on a wide range of laboratory tests relevant to women's medicine

A rapid reference

ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies)

Antinuclear antibodies are globulins that can react with the nuclei of cells. There is a connection between the presence of these antibodies and the presence of various autoimmune diseases.
  • Most individuals with lupus, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis will have a positive ANA test
  • About a third of individuals with Sjoegren's disease, dermatomyositis and polyarteritis will be positive for ANA
  • Some normal individuals are positive for ANA
  • Some apparently normal individuals who are positive for ANA will, later in life, develop an autoimmune disease
  • A negative ANA is strong evidence against autoimmune disease being present

Normal Values*

Titer 1:10 (1:20 in some labs)

*These are general values taken from a variety of sources. The actual normal values may vary from lab to lab and from one type of testing protocol to another.

 
Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington DC, 20372-5300, USA