ANTI-NUCLEAR ANTIBODIES (ANA)

Purpose of test:
Screens for systemic lupus erythematosus
Screens for several autoimmune disorders
Monitors effectiveness of treatment with drugs for sysstemic lupus erythematosus

Patient preparation:
None required

Time before test results available:
* 4 to 5 days

Normal values:
Test for Ana is negative at a titer of 1:32 or below

What absence of ANA may indicate:
Rules out systemic lupus erythematosus

What low titers may indicate:
Viral diseases
Liver disease
Collagen-vascular disease
Autoimmune disease

Taking these drugs may affect test results:
Acetazolamide
Aminosalicylic acid (PAS)
Chlorothiazide
Chlorpromazine
Chlorprothixene
Clofibrate
Ethosuximide
Gold salts
Griseofulvin
Hydralazine
Isoniazid
Mephenytoin
Methyldopa
Methysergide
Oral contraceptives
Para-aminosaalicylic acid
Penicillin
Phenylbutazone
Phenytoin
Primidone
Procainamide
Propylthiouracil
Wuinidine
Reserpine
Streptomycin
Sulfonamides
Tetracyclines
Thiouracil
Trimethadion

Other factors that may affect test results:
If tourniquet is applied on the arm for too long (over 1 minute), it may cause an inaccurate test result. Request another sameple to be collected to ensure accuracy.

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