What are antinuclear antibodies (ANA)?
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are proteins produced by the body's immune system that can attack components of the cell nucleus. Detecting the presence of Ana in the blood can be useful in the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (Les), rheumatoid arthritis and connective tissue diseases.
How is the laboratory study carried out to find Ana in Blood?
The Laboratory study to detect Ana implies taking a patient's blood sample. This sample is analyzed by a technique called indirect immunofluorescence (IFI). In this process, the blood sample to human or animal cells that have been fixed on a plaque is exposed. If there are antinuclear antibodies present in the blood, they will join the nuclei of these fixed cells.
Why is Ana's study important?
Detecting the presence of Ana in blood can help doctors to confirm or rule out the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases. However, it is important to keep in mind that Ana's presence is not specific to a particular disease and can be present in healthy people. Therefore, this study is usually only part of the diagnostic process and is used together with other symptoms and tests.
Conclusion
In summary, the laboratory study to find blood antinuclear antibodies is an important tool in the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases. The indirect immunofluorescence technique allows the presence of these antibodies to be detected, which can help doctors to adequately identify and treat these conditions. However, it is crucial to interpret the results in an integral way and consider other clinical factors for an accurate diagnosis.
