Test ID ANAH2 Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA), HEp-2 Substrate, Serum
Useful For
Diagnosis of autoimmune diseases
Reflex Tests
Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
---|---|---|---|
ANAB | Antinuclear Antibody (Multiple), S | No | No |
Testing Algorithm
If ANA HEp-2 substrate screen is positive, then ANA (multiple) will be performed at an additional charge.
Method Name
Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)
Reporting Name
Antinuclear Ab, HEp-2 Substrate, SSpecimen Type
SerumContainer/Tube:
Preferred: Red top
Acceptable: Serum gel
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Forms: If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a General Request Form (T239) with the specimen (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/general-request-form.pdf).
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.350 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days |
Frozen | 14 days | |
Ambient | 7 days |
Clinical Information
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) occur in patients with various autoimmune diseases, both systemic and organ specific, but they are particularly common in systemic rheumatic diseases (SRD). The SRDs include systemic lupus erythematosus, discoid lupus erythematosus, drug-induced lupus erythematosus, mixed connective tissue disease, Sjogren’s syndrome, scleroderma (systemic sclerosis), CREST syndrome (calcinosis, Raynaud’s phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, telangiectasia), rheumatoid arthritis, and polymyositis or dermatomyositis. ANA can be detected by a number of various technologies, including indirect immunofluorescence, enzyme immunoassays, and bead-based multiplex immunoassays.
Reference Values
<1:40 (Negative)
Cautions
This test is a laboratory diagnostic aid and by itself is not diagnostic. Positive results with this test may occur in apparently healthy people. Therefore, the results of this test must be interpreted by a medical authority in the context of the patient's total clinical condition.
Sera from systemic lupus erythematosus patients undergoing steroid therapy may give negative results.
No definitive association between the pattern of nuclear fluorescence and any specific disease state is intended with this test.
Many drugs (eg, hydralazine, procainamide) may induce antinuclear antibodies production.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
1 day/2 days if positivePerforming Laboratory

Test Classification
This test has been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
86038-Screen
86039-Titer (if appropriate)