Autoimmune Screening Test (ANA with Reflex)
Your immune system is designed to protect your body, but sometimes it can mistakenly attack healthy tissues instead. The ICare Autoimmune Screening Test (ANA with Reflex) is an advanced blood test that helps screen for autoimmune conditions by detecting antinuclear antibodies (ANA)—antibodies that may be associated with autoimmune diseases.
If the initial ANA screening is positive, reflex testing is automatically performed to identify specific autoantibodies that may provide additional insight into the type of autoimmune condition your healthcare provider is evaluating. This streamlined approach offers a more comprehensive assessment without requiring an additional blood draw.
Whether you're experiencing unexplained symptoms or your healthcare provider suspects an autoimmune condition, this test can provide valuable information to help guide the next steps in your care.
What Does This Test Measure?
Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA)
The ANA test detects antibodies that target structures within the nucleus of your body's cells.
A positive ANA result may be associated with autoimmune conditions such as:
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Sjögren's syndrome
Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)
Mixed connective tissue disease
Certain inflammatory muscle diseases
Other autoimmune connective tissue disorders
It's important to know that some healthy individuals may also have a positive ANA, particularly as they age. For this reason, results must always be interpreted alongside your symptoms, medical history, and physical examination.
Reflex Autoantibody Testing
If your ANA screening is positive, additional reflex testing is automatically performed to evaluate specific autoantibodies that may help your healthcare provider better understand the underlying cause of the positive result.
Depending on your laboratory's testing protocol, reflex testing may include antibodies associated with conditions such as:
Lupus
Sjögren's syndrome
Scleroderma
Mixed connective tissue disease
Other autoimmune connective tissue disorders
This additional testing provides more detailed information without requiring a second blood draw.
Who Should Consider This Test?
The Autoimmune Screening Test (ANA with Reflex) may be recommended for individuals who:
Have persistent joint pain or swelling
Experience chronic fatigue without a known cause
Have unexplained muscle pain or weakness
Develop recurring skin rashes
Experience dry eyes or dry mouth
Have symptoms suggestive of an autoimmune disorder
Have a family history of autoimmune disease
Are being evaluated by a healthcare provider or rheumatologist for autoimmune conditions
Your healthcare provider will determine whether ANA testing is appropriate based on your symptoms and medical history.
Why Is It Important?
Results help your healthcare provider assess your health, support diagnosis, monitor treatment, and guide personalized care.
Preparation
No special preparation is required
Turnaround
1-3 Business Days
Sample Type
Blood
What's Included
Physician Order
We provide the necessary doctor's order for this test.
Lab Fees
All laboratory processing fees are included in the price.
Digital Results
Secure, easy-to-read results delivered to your portal.
Important Information
How It Works
Book Online
Choose your test and checkout securely. We'll generate the order.
We Come to You
Schedule a mobile phlebotomist to visit your home or office.
Get Results
Receive your physician-reviewed results online in days.