An ANA blood test, also known as an antinuclear antibody test, is a blood test that is used to detect the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) in a person's blood. ANAs are antibodies that are produced by the immune system and can attack the body's own cells and tissues. The presence of ANAs in the blood can be a sign of a number of different autoimmune disorders, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. An ANA blood test is often ordered as part of a routine medical examination or when a person is experiencing certain symptoms, such as fatigue or joint pain.
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