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ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) Test: normal range & what your result means
Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS · Last reviewed
Medically reviewedThe ANA test looks for antibodies that target the body’s own cells. It is a screening test for autoimmune diseases like lupus — but many healthy people have a low positive result.
About the test
Why the ANA test is done
- Joint pains with rash, mouth ulcers, fever or hair fall
- Suspected lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, scleroderma or other autoimmune disease
- Unexplained inflammation or abnormal blood counts
Reference range
Typical adult range
| Measure | Typical adult range |
|---|---|
| Normal result | Negative, or titre below the lab cut-off (often 1:80) |
| Pattern | Reported if positive (e.g. speckled, homogeneous) |
Typical adult range; labs differ — use the range on your report. Ranges also vary with age, sex, pregnancy and the method used. Your doctor interprets the result alongside your symptoms and history.
Results
What a POSITIVE result can mean
- Autoimmune diseases such as lupus (SLE), Sjögren’s, scleroderma, autoimmune hepatitis
- Low titre positive (1:40–1:80) is common in healthy people, especially women and older adults
- Some infections and medicines can cause a positive ANA
- A positive ANA alone is not a diagnosis — further specific tests are needed
Results
What a NEGATIVE result means
- Makes lupus very unlikely
- Does not rule out every autoimmune or joint condition
Preparation
Before the test
- No fasting needed
- Tell your doctor about all medicines you take
Red flags
When to get urgent help
- Chest pain, breathlessness, or swelling of the legs with a known autoimmune disease — seek urgent care
- Foamy urine, swelling or reduced urine
- High fever with severe joint pain and rash
Explore more
Related pages
References
Sources & further reading
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive ANA mean I have lupus?
No. Many healthy people have a low positive ANA. A diagnosis depends on symptoms, examination and more specific tests like anti-dsDNA.
What does ANA titre 1:160 mean?
It is a moderately positive result — the antibody is still detected after diluting the sample 160 times. Higher titres are more likely to be meaningful, but symptoms matter most.
What do ANA patterns mean?
Patterns describe how the antibodies stain cells under the microscope. They can hint at which specific tests to do next.