What It Measures
This test detects the presence and level of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) in your blood. ANAs are proteins produced by the immune system that bind to components within cell nuclei. The test is typically reported as a titer (e.g., 1:40, 1:80, 1:160) and a pattern (homogeneous, speckled, nucleolar, centromere). Higher titers suggest a greater likelihood of autoimmune disease.
The ANA Screen is a blood test that detects antinuclear antibodies — autoantibodies that mistakenly target the nuclei of your own cells. It is one of the primary screening tools used to evaluate for autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), scleroderma, Sjögren's syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis. A positive result does not confirm disease but indicates the need for further evaluation.
Current Value
What High Means
A positive ANA (titer ≥1:80) suggests the immune system may be attacking the body's own tissues, indicating possible autoimmune disease. Conditions associated with positive ANA include systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's syndrome, scleroderma, mixed connective tissue disease, polymyositis/dermatomyositis, autoimmune hepatitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. However, up to 15-20% of healthy individuals (especially women over 65) can have low-positive ANA titers without disease. Certain medications (hydralazine, procainamide, isoniazid) can also cause drug-induced positive ANA.
Possible Symptoms
Joint pain and swelling, fatigue, skin rashes (butterfly rash in lupus), dry eyes and dry mouth, muscle weakness, hair loss, Raynaud's phenomenon (fingers turning white/blue in cold), unexplained fever, mouth ulcers, photosensitivity, chest pain with deep breathing (pleurisy)
What Low Means
A negative ANA result is generally reassuring and makes systemic autoimmune diseases like lupus much less likely (negative predictive value >95% for SLE). A negative result is considered normal and does not indicate any health concern. However, a negative ANA does not completely rule out all autoimmune conditions, as some (like certain vasculitides) may be ANA-negative.
Possible Symptoms
A negative ANA result is normal and not associated with symptoms. No symptoms are expected from a negative result.
Risk Factors
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's syndrome, scleroderma (systemic sclerosis), mixed connective tissue disease, polymyositis/dermatomyositis, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune hepatitis, autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's, Graves'), drug-induced lupus, Raynaud's phenomenon, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis
Actionable Advice
Supplements
- •Vitamin D
- •Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)
- •Curcumin/Turmeric
- •N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)
- •Probiotics
- •Glutathione
- •Selenium
Diet & Lifestyle
- •Prioritize anti-inflammatory diet rich in vegetables, fruits, fatty fish, and whole grains
- •Manage stress through meditation, yoga, or breathwork — chronic stress worsens autoimmune flares
- •Get 7-9 hours of quality sleep to support immune regulation
- •Exercise regularly but avoid overtraining, which can trigger flares in autoimmune-prone individuals
- •Minimize exposure to environmental toxins (pesticides, heavy metals, mold)
- •Avoid smoking — strongly associated with increased autoimmune risk
- •Optimize vitamin D levels (40-60 ng/mL) as deficiency is linked to autoimmune disease
- •Limit processed foods, refined sugar, and seed oils that promote inflammation
Ask AI
Ask questions about your Ana Screen results, trends, and what you can do to optimize.
Only one data point — trend chart will appear after multiple tests.