ANA blood test in Chiswick
The antinuclear antibodies (ANA) blood test is a common first step when an autoimmune condition such as lupus is suspected. It is booked by people with joint pain, rashes, fatigue or other symptoms that may point to immune activity against the body.
What the test measures
Antinuclear antibodies are autoantibodies that target material inside the nucleus of the body's own cells. They are found in almost everyone with systemic lupus erythematosus and are common in other connective tissue conditions, including Sjögren's syndrome, systemic sclerosis and mixed connective tissue disease. Autoimmune liver and thyroid conditions can also be associated with a positive ANA.
ANA is a sensitive test, which makes it useful as a screen when symptoms fit, but it is not very specific. A noticeable minority of healthy people, especially women and older adults, have low levels of ANA without any illness. That is why the result is always interpreted with symptoms and, where needed, more targeted antibody tests.
The price includes the blood sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request.
Who it is for
- You have joint pain or swelling together with tiredness, rashes or mouth ulcers.
- You get a rash on your face or skin that flares in sunlight.
- Your fingers turn white or blue in the cold.
- You have persistent dry eyes and dry mouth.
- A close relative has lupus or another autoimmune condition and you have symptoms.
- Your GP or practitioner has suggested an autoimmune screen.
Understanding your result
A negative ANA makes lupus very unlikely and is generally reassuring. A positive result is reported with a strength, called a titre, and sometimes a pattern. Low positive results are common in healthy people and often mean nothing on their own. Higher titres are more likely to be relevant, especially with matching symptoms, and usually lead to further tests such as ENA or dsDNA antibodies through your GP or a rheumatologist.
Some medicines, infections and other conditions can also produce a positive ANA. Your result is a prompt for discussion, not a diagnosis, and your practitioner will help you decide what, if anything, needs to happen next.
Preparing for your test
No fasting is needed and the test can be taken at any time of day. Please let us know about any medicines you take, as a few, including some blood pressure and heart drugs, can be associated with a positive ANA.
ANA is included in the Omnia Signature (£961), our most comprehensive check. If tiredness is part of the picture, our thyroid tests check a common overlapping cause. Browse every blood test and price in Chiswick.
Questions
How much is an ANA blood test in Chiswick?
The Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) test costs £99 at Omnia Lifestyle in Chiswick. The price covers the blood sample, accredited laboratory analysis, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report if requested.
Does a positive ANA mean I have lupus?
No. Many people with a positive ANA never develop lupus or any autoimmune disease. It is a reason to look more closely, not a diagnosis.
What are titres and patterns?
The titre shows how strongly the antibodies are present, and the pattern describes how they appear under the microscope. Both help specialists decide which further tests are useful.
Should I repeat the test if it is negative?
Usually not, unless new symptoms develop. A negative ANA is a reliable result for most people.
