Antinuclear Antibodies (Titre & Pattern)

ANA Blood Test (Titre & Pattern) | London Blood Tests

Detect autoimmune disease with the Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) blood test for £88. Titre and pattern reported. UKAS-accredited testing.

The Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) – Titre & Pattern Test detects autoantibodies directed against components of the cell nucleus. It is a key screening test for systemic autoimmune and connective tissue diseases, providing both the antibody titre and fluorescence pattern for more precise clinical interpretation. Testing is performed in a UKAS-accredited laboratory, with an optional GP consultation.

What is an Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) Test?

Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are autoantibodies produced by the immune system that mistakenly target the body’s own cell nuclei. Their presence may indicate an underlying autoimmune condition, particularly systemic connective tissue diseases.

The ANA test is typically performed using indirect immunofluorescence (IIF), which provides:

• Titre – the concentration of antibodies (e.g. 1:80, 1:160, 1:320)

• Pattern – the staining pattern seen under microscopy (e.g. homogeneous, speckled, nucleolar)

Different ANA patterns are associated with different autoimmune diseases, making this test an essential first-line screening tool before more specific antibody panels (such as ENA or dsDNA).

At London Blood Tests, ANA testing follows UK rheumatology and immunology standards for accurate and reproducible results.

Benefits of the ANA (Titre & Pattern) Test

1. Primary Screening for Autoimmune Disease
   First-line test for suspected connective tissue disorders.

2. Provides Titre and Pattern Detail
   Adds diagnostic value beyond a simple positive/negative result.

3. Supports Early Detection
   ANA may be detectable before full symptoms develop.

4. Guides Further Autoimmune Testing
   Helps determine whether ENA, dsDNA, or other tests are needed.

5. Useful in Unexplained Symptoms
   Assists evaluation of fatigue, joint pain, and rashes.

6. Non-Invasive and Widely Used
   Requires only a standard blood sample.

7. Optional GP Consultation for Interpretation
   Results can be reviewed with a GP to guide next steps.

Why Do I Need an ANA Blood Test?

You may benefit from an ANA test if you experience symptoms suggestive of autoimmune disease, including:

• Persistent fatigue

• Joint pain or swelling

• Muscle aches or weakness

• Skin rashes or photosensitivity

• Dry eyes or dry mouth

• Raynaud’s phenomenon (cold, colour-changing fingers)

• Unexplained fever

Testing is commonly recommended if:

• Autoimmune disease is suspected

• There is a family history of autoimmune conditions

• Other inflammatory markers are abnormal

• Symptoms remain unexplained

Because autoimmune diseases can be slow and subtle in onset, ANA testing plays a vital role in early investigation.

How the Test Works

In-Clinic Testing at London Blood Tests

1. Book Your Appointment

   • Book online or by phone at your preferred clinic.

   • No fasting required.

2. Pre-Test Review

   • Inform the clinician of symptoms or known autoimmune conditions.

3. Sample Collection

   • A trained phlebotomist collects a venous blood sample.

   • Takes 5–10 minutes.

4. Laboratory Analysis

   • Sample analysed using indirect immunofluorescence in a UKAS-accredited laboratory.

5. Titre & Pattern Reporting

   • Antibody concentration and fluorescence pattern are recorded.

6. Results Delivery

   • Results typically available within 5–10 business days.

7. Optional GP Consultation

   • Review results and need for further testing with a GP.

At-Home Blood Draw (Home or Hotel Phlebotomy – UK-Wide)

1. Book Your Visit

   • Arrange a phlebotomist home or hotel visit.

2. Professional Collection

   • Certified phlebotomist collects your blood sample.

3. Secure Transport

   • Sample couriered same day to the laboratory.

4. Laboratory Testing

   • Analysis identical to in-clinic testing.

5. Results & Follow-Up

   • Results delivered online, GP review optional.

Your ANA Test Results – Explained

ANA results are reported as a titre and pattern.

Typical interpretation:

• Negative ANA: no significant autoantibodies detected

• Low titre (e.g. 1:80): may be non-specific

• Moderate–high titre (≥1:160): more suggestive of autoimmune disease

Common ANA patterns and associations:

• Homogeneous: lupus, drug-induced lupus

• Speckled: lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, mixed connective tissue disease

• Nucleolar: systemic sclerosis

• Centromere: limited scleroderma

Important notes:

• Low-level ANA can be present in healthy individuals

• A positive ANA alone does not confirm diagnosis

• Clinical correlation and follow-up tests are essential