ANA BY HEP2

ANA by HEp-2 is a screening blood test that detects antinuclear antibodies (ANA)—autoantibodies that target parts of the cell nucleus.
It’s commonly used to evaluate possible autoimmune diseases such as Systemic lupus erythematosus.

🔬 Why “HEp-2”?

• HEp-2 cells are human cells used as a substrate in the lab.

• Your serum is added to these cells.

• If ANA are present, they bind to nuclear components.

• A fluorescent dye reveals specific staining patterns under a microscope.

This method is called Indirect Immunofluorescence (IIF) and is considered the gold standard for ANA screening.

📊 How Results Are Reported

1️⃣ Titer (Strength)

Reported as ratios:

• 1:40 (low)

• 1:80

• 1:160

• 1:320 or higher

👉 Higher titer = stronger antibody presence
(Clinically significant titers are often ≥1:160, depending on symptoms.)

2️⃣ Pattern (Very Important)

🩺 Why Doctors Order ANA

• Joint pain

• Fatigue

• Skin rashes

• Unexplained inflammation

• Suspected autoimmune disease