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Blood test
 
Overview   Risks   Results   

Antinuclear antibody panel

Alternative names:

ANA; ANA panel; titer nuclear

What the risks are:

  • excessive bleeding
  • fainting or feeling lightheaded
  • hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
  • infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
  • multiple punctures to locate veins

Special considerations:

This test is about 80% accurate. ANA is also in relatives of those with SLE who do not have SLE themselves. Also, many drugs affect the accuracy of this test (see "How to prepare for the test").

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.


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