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ANA Blood Test

Price
£245

Turnaround

12 hours

Appointment

50 minutes

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pound iconPrice: £245

Turnaround: 12 hours

Appointment: 50 minutes

Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Test

Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) Testing is a blood test that can detect autoimmune conditions. Simply put, ANA is a type of antibody that targets the nucleus of cells within the body.

While most of your antibodies help protect against harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses, ANA mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. This leads to inflammation and tissue damage. Therefore, elevated levels of ANA detected in your body can indicate autoimmune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma.

What Exactly Is An ANA Test?

An ANA blood test measures the presence of the antinuclear antibodies protein in your blood. The test is primarily used to help diagnose autoimmune disorders, particularly those that affect connective tissues and the skin.

A positive ANA test doesn’t necessarily confirm a specific disease but can be an early indicator of autoimmune activity that requires further investigation.

Why Is An ANA Test So Important?

An ANA blood test helps diagnose a wide range of autoimmune diseases. Especially those that may not present clear, specific symptoms in their early stages. Common autoimmune disorders associated with positive ANA results include:

  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): A chronic autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation in the skin, joints, kidneys, and other organs.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): An inflammatory disease that primarily affects the joints.
  • Scleroderma: A disease that hardens and tightens the skin and connective tissues.
  • Sjogren’s syndrome: A disorder that affects moisture-producing glands, leading to dry eyes and mouth.
  • Polymyositis: A muscle disease causing inflammation and weakness.
  • Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD): A condition that combines features of lupus, scleroderma, and polymyositis.
Woman doctor smiling
Woman doctor taking notes

How Is The Test Performed?

An ANA test involves a simple blood draw. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The blood test looks for specific patterns in the antibodies, which can help detect the type of autoimmune disorder present.

A positive ANA result means that antinuclear antibodies are detected, but further tests are often necessary to determine the exact cause. A negative ANA result suggests that autoimmune diseases are unlikely, though it does not completely rule out the possibility, especially in the early stages of the disease.

When Should You Get an ANA Blood Test?

Your doctor may recommend an ANA blood test if you experience symptoms suggestive of an autoimmune disease, such as:

  • Chronic fatigue
  • Unexplained joint pain or swelling
  • Skin rashes (especially on the face or hands)
  • Muscle weakness
  • Persistent low-grade fever
  • Photosensitivity (sensitivity to sunlight)

Statistics​

of SLE patients test positive for ANA markers
0 %
of healthy individuals may have positive ANA
0 %
of Sjögren's patients show ANA presence
0 %
of older adults test positive for ANA markers
0 %

How To Book A Blood Test?

book online or call us

Use our online booking engine or book your test by giving us a call.

Choose your test type

On the online booking engine select the “appointment type” you need.

meet with our experts

You will be seen by one of our friendly phlebotomists or trained clinicians.

Procedure

preparing for appointment

Preparing for test

Since an ANA blood test checks for the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in the blood, it can help indicate autoimmune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma. No fasting or special preparation is required. But to be safe, always confirm with your doctor beforehand.

during the appointment

During the test

During your ANA test, your healthcare professional will draw a blood sample. Typically from a vein in your arm, this blood draw is quick, and fairly painless. You may feel a brief “sting” when the needle is inserted. However, the stinging sensation should not last more than a minute.

post appointment

Results

It is important to bear in mind that a positive ANA result does not necessarily mean you have an autoimmune disease. However, it may indicate an autoimmune condition, in which case further testing is required to confirm a diagnosis. Your healthcare provider may recommend further testing or refer you to a specialist for further evaluation and diagnosis based on your results.

Why Choose Walk In Clinic
for blood testing

No
Hidden Charges

Transparent fees. The price you see is the price you pay.

No GP consultation
needed

No GP appointment requirement for blood tests

Established
since 1998

Experienced doctors & a professional team.

Strictly
confidential

Your medical records are kept private at all times.

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Blood Test Biomarkers

pricing

ANA Blood Test

  • Detects autoimmune diseases
  • Spots early immune issues
  • Identifies chronic fatigue & joint pain

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Book Your Blood Test Today

We offer a wide range of private blood tests in London. Same-day appointments are available 5 days a week.

Specialist Medical Team

We work with experienced consultants & healthcare professionals who have received positive feedback from our patients, and with whom we have established long-term relationships.

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What is an Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) test?
An ANA test checks for the presence of antinuclear antibodies in your blood. ANA are proteins that your immune system produces when it mistakenly attacks your body’s own cells. Making an ANA test so vital. This test is used to help diagnose autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma.
What do positive ANA test results mean?
During your ANA test, your healthcare professional will draw a blood sample. Typically from a vein in your arm, this blood draw is quick, and fairly painless. You may feel a brief “sting” when the needle is inserted. However, the stinging sensation should not last more than a minute. After the blood is drawn, a bandage will be applied to the site.
Why would a doctor order an ANA test?
A doctor may order an ANA test when a patient presents with symptoms that suggest an autoimmune disorder. Common symptoms include unexplained fatigue, joint pain, muscle aches, skin rashes, and photosensitivity (sensitivity to sunlight). It’s often ordered if conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune diseases are suspected. The test helps provide more information to guide the diagnosis but is rarely used in isolation.

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