Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
ANAs will be reported as part of an Autoantibody Screen. They are reported, either as Negative or as a titre (dilution) at which the ANA is last seen as positive. The pattern of ANA is also reported as part of the Autoantibody Screen and this can give an indication of possible significant antibodies.
Specimen container paediatric:
Serum-Plain tube
Specimen container adult:
Serum-SST
Minimum volume paediatric:
0.5 ml
Minimum volume adult:
1 ml
Special requirements:
None
Availability:
Autoantibody Screens are done daily, Monday to Friday, usually in the morning.
Freq analysis:
Daily
Add on test:
All urgent add ons via telephone on 0191 2821890, and must be confirmed via email to the appropriate email address [email protected]
Quality assurance:
UK NEQAS for Antibodies to Nuclear and Related Antigens
Interpretation:
Antinuclear antibodies may be associated with connective tissue diseases but are non-specific and may also occur in other conditions especially infections.
Reference ranges:
Adult Normal Range: <1/80Paediatric Normal Range: <1/20
Other info:
Reported as Negative or a titration value for Positive samples. ANA is useful in the diagnosis of SLE and other connective tissue diseases but is not a useful tool for assessing disease activity and response to treatment; serial measurement of ANA is therefore discouraged.