Anti Nuclear Antibody,(IFA Method)

Description

The Anti-Nuclear Antibody test using the Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) method is a specialized version of the ANA test. This technique offers high sensitivity in detecting antinuclear antibodies and provides detailed information about the pattern of fluorescence, which can indicate specific types of autoantibodies. The IFA method uses human cells as substrates and fluorescent-labeled anti-human antibodies to visualize the binding of patient autoantibodies. Different patterns (e.g., homogeneous, speckled, nucleolar) can suggest particular autoimmune diseases. This method is considered the gold standard for ANA testing due to its ability to detect a wide range of autoantibodies and provide pattern information. The results of this test, including both the titer and pattern, are crucial in guiding further diagnostic steps and in differentiating between various autoimmune disorders.