Anti-nuclear Antibody

Anti-nuclear Antibody

Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANAs, also known as anti-nuclear factor or ANF) are autoantibodies directed against contents of the cell nucleus.

They are present in higher than normal numbers in autoimmune disease. The ANA test measures the pattern and amount of autoantibody which can attack the body's tissues as if they were foreign material. Autoantibodies are present in low titers in the general population, but in about 5% of the population, their concentration is increased, and about half of this 5% have an autoimmune disease.