Other Unusual ANA Patterns

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)
Other Unusual ANA Patterns

Unusual Speckled ANA's are not limited to the few mentioned here. Over 150 different autoantigens have been identified in SLE patients alone. When an unusual pattern is encountered remember to go back to basics, positive or negative and if positive, what major group best describes it: Homogeneous, Speckled, Nucleolar, etc..

Can have various numbers and types of speckles in

  • One or two speckles
  • Cell cycle dependent

Metaphase mitotic cells

  • No staining in the chromosomal region
  • Usually there is variable staining outside of the chromosomal region.

Reporting Other Unusual Speckled ANA's:

Report as

  • Unusual speckled, include titer, no follow-up

Clinical Significance

  • Alerts the clinician that an ANA is present
  • Up to clinician to piece together the puzzle