ANA (antinuclear antibodies): ANA testing is a screening tool used to detect the presence of antibodies that target the cell nucleus. It is a broad test that can indicate the possibility of an autoimmune condition, as many autoimmune diseases are associated with the production of ANA. Rheumatoid factor: Rheumatoid factor is an antibody directed against the Fc portion of immunoglobulin G (IgG). It is primarily used in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Elevated levels of rheumatoid facto

A positive antinuclear antibody test means that antibodies are present in the blood that are targeting structures within the nucleus of cells. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but viral infections and certain seizure medications are possible causes. In some cases, a positive antinuclear antibody test can be indicative of an autoimmune disease, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Autoimmune diseases occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. This can cause