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Anti Nuclear Antibody / Factor (ANA / ANF) IFA (HEP-2) Reflex to ENA Profile Test

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Anti Nuclear Antibody / Factor (ANA / ANF) IFA (HEP-2) Reflex to ENA Profile Test

Short Name: ANA/ANF IFA Reflex to ENA

Also known as: ANA, ANF, Anti-nuclear Antibody, Anti-nuclear Factor

Anti Nuclear Antibody / Factor (ANA / ANF) IFA (HEP-2) Reflex to ENA Profile Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹4,500. Uses Immunofluorescence Assay (Hep-2 Substrate), Immunoblot on Serum samples. Results in Reports are typically available the next working day after sample collection.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.

Immunology Test🏠 Home Collection

🩺 Medically Reviewed By

Overview

To detect anti-nuclear antibodies (ANAs) in the blood and, if positive, reflex to an ENA profile to identify specific autoantibodies associated with autoimmune diseases such as lupus, scleroderma, and mixed connective tissue disease. This aids in diagnosis, monitoring disease activity, and guiding treatment decisions.

Test Code
147
Price
₹4,500
Sample Type
Serum
Result Time
Reports are typically available the next working day after sample collection.
Fasting Required
Yes (12 hours)
Method
Immunofluorescence Assay (Hep-2 Substrate), Immunoblot
Step 1

Sample Collection

Overnight fasting for 12 hours is preferred. Avoid strenuous activity before sample collection.

Method: Venipuncture

Step 2

Laboratory Analysis

A blood sample will be drawn from a vein in your arm by a trained phlebotomist. The process is quick and minimally invasive.

Step 3

Report Delivery

Apply pressure to the puncture site to prevent bruising. Resume normal activities unless advised otherwise.

Timeline: Reports are typically available the next working day after sample collection.

Patient Instructions

1
Before the Test:Overnight fasting for 12 hours is preferred. Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking.
2
During the Test:A blood sample is collected via venipuncture. The procedure takes a few minutes and may cause minor discomfort.
3
After the Test:You can resume normal activities immediately. Keep the puncture site clean and dry.

About This Test

Who Should Get This Test

To detect anti-nuclear antibodies (ANAs) in the blood and, if positive, reflex to an ENA profile to identify specific autoantibodies associated with autoimmune diseases such as lupus, scleroderma, and mixed connective tissue disease. This aids in diagnosis, monitoring disease activity, and guiding treatment decisions.

How to Prepare

  • Overnight fasting preferred
  • Sample type: serum from SST tube
  • Ship refrigerated or frozen
  • Provide complete clinical history to physician

Doctor's Notes

Reviewed by — MBBS, MD (General Medicine) · Reg. No. 8052

"This test is essential for diagnosing autoimmune conditions and should be interpreted alongside clinical findings for accurate patient management."

Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026

Test Parameters & Specifications

Sample TypeSerum
Sample Volume2 mL (1 mL min.)
ContainerSST (Serum Separator Tube)
Collection MethodVenipuncture

Sample Stability

Room Temperature: 6 hours
Refrigerator: 1 week
Frozen: 2 weeks
Sample Rejection Criteria:
  • Hemolyzed or lipemic samples
  • Incorrect sample volume
  • Improper labeling or storage
  • Contaminated samples

Understanding Your Results

Results should be interpreted by a healthcare professional in the context of clinical symptoms and other tests. A positive ANA indicates presence of autoantibodies, while a negative result suggests their absence.
📊

ANA Negative

No detectable anti-nuclear antibodies; less likely for autoimmune disease, but does not completely rule it out.

📊

ANA Positive with specific ENA antibodies

Suggestive of specific autoimmune conditions; e.g., anti-dsDNA for lupus, anti-Sm for lupus, anti-SSA/SSB for Sjögren's syndrome.

📊

ANA Positive without specific ENA antibodies

May indicate early autoimmune disease or other conditions; requires further evaluation and monitoring.

⚠️ When to Consult a Doctor:

If you experience persistent symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, or if your test results are positive, consult a rheumatologist or immunologist for further evaluation and management.

Limitations

  • Not solely diagnostic; requires clinical correlation
  • False positives can occur in healthy individuals, especially elderly
  • Does not specify disease activity or severity
  • May not detect all autoimmune conditions
  • Results should be interpreted by a qualified physician

Risks & Considerations

  • Minor bruising or bleeding at puncture site
  • Rare infection risk
  • Faintness or dizziness during blood draw

Interfering Factors

  • Certain medications (e.g., hydralazine, isoniazid)
  • Recent infections
  • Vaccinations
  • Other autoimmune conditions
  • Sample hemolysis or lipemia

Compare With Similar Tests

TestAnti Nuclear Antibody / Factor (ANA / ANF) IFA (HEP-2) Reflex to ENA Profile TestRheumatoid Factor (RF)Anti-dsDNA AntibodyErythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)C-Reactive Protein (CRP)Complement Levels (C3, C4)
ComparisonAnti Nuclear Antibody / Factor (ANA / ANF) IFA (HEP-2) Reflex to ENA Profile Test

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ANA/ANF IFA test?
The ANA/ANF IFA test detects anti-nuclear antibodies in the blood using indirect immunofluorescence on HEp-2 cells, helping diagnose autoimmune diseases.
Why is the ENA profile reflexed if ANA is positive?
If the initial ANA test is positive, the ENA profile identifies specific autoantibodies to help pinpoint the type of autoimmune disease, improving diagnostic accuracy.
What symptoms may prompt this test?
Symptoms include persistent fatigue, unexplained fevers, joint pain or swelling, butterfly-shaped rash, skin rashes, hair loss, dry eyes or mouth, and breathing difficulties.
Is fasting required for this test?
Yes, overnight fasting for 12 hours is preferred to ensure optimal sample quality and accurate results.
How is the sample collected?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm by a trained professional, typically using a serum separator tube (SST).
What does a positive ANA result mean?
A positive ANA indicates the presence of anti-nuclear antibodies, which may suggest an autoimmune condition, but further testing and clinical evaluation are needed for confirmation.
Can ANA be positive in healthy individuals?
Yes, low titers of ANA can be found in some healthy people, especially older adults, so results must be interpreted in clinical context.
How accurate is the ANA/ANF IFA test?
The test is highly sensitive for detecting ANAs, but specificity varies; positive results require correlation with symptoms and other tests for diagnosis.
What are the limitations of this test?
Limitations include possible false positives, inability to specify disease activity, and the need for clinical correlation; it does not diagnose autoimmune diseases alone.
How long does it take to get the results?
Results are typically available the next working day after sample collection, accessible via online portal, email, or WhatsApp.
Is the test covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on your insurance policy and scheme; check with your provider or contact DNA Labs India for assistance.
How can I prepare for the test?
Fast overnight for 12 hours, stay hydrated, wear comfortable clothing for blood draw, and inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
Worried about the process? Our certified phlebotomists collect thousands of samples every month across India. The process takes under 5 minutes and is virtually painless. Questions? Message us on WhatsApp — we're here 7 days a week.

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