Follow-up Testing

This version of the course is no longer available.
Need multiple seats for your university or lab? Get a quote
The page below is a sample from the LabCE course Antinuclear Antibody Testing: Methods and Pattern Interpretation. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

Learn more about Antinuclear Antibody Testing: Methods and Pattern Interpretation (online CE course)
Follow-up Testing

The ANA test is the initial screening assay used by clinicians to assess the likelihood that the patient has one of the SARDs. If the ANA is positive it is common for the clinician to request specific follow-up testing to see if the specific autoantibody(ies) that is/are causing the positive ANA can be identified. If the autoantibody(ies) can be identified this may add significantly to the diagnosis of the patient.

The ANA pattern will give the clinician valuable insight into which follow-up testing is appropriate.

  • For a speckled ANA pattern, follow-up testing for antibodies directed to the extractable nuclear antigens (ENA) is indicated. ENA testing is most frequently done by ELISA method.
  • For a homogeneous ANA pattern, follow-up testing for antibodies to dsDNA is appropriate with most labs using a fluorescent slide method (CLIF), ELISA, or RIA.

Some laboratories add a comment to the results suggesting appropriate follow-up testing. Using the previous example, Sample 12345: ANA Positive, Speckled, titer: 1:640; suggest follow-up ENA testing.