Anti Nuclear Antibody / Factor (ANA / ANF), IFA (HEP-2) End Point Titre (L)

The Anti Nuclear Antibody / Factor (ANA / ANF), IFA (HEp-2) End Point Titre (L) test is a specialized blood test used to detect and measure antinuclear antibodies (ANA) that may attack the body’s own cells. These antibodies are commonly associated with autoimmune diseases, where the immune system mistakenly targets healthy tissues. The test is performed using the Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) on HEp-2 cells, which is considered the gold standard for ANA testing. It not only detects the presence of ANA but also determines the end-point antibody titre, providing valuable information about the strength of the autoimmune response.

The ANA / ANF, IFA (HEp-2) End Point Titre test is recommended for individuals with symptoms such as persistent fatigue, joint pain or swelling, skin rashes, unexplained fever, hair loss, mouth ulcers, muscle weakness, or other signs of autoimmune disease. It helps in the evaluation of conditions such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, scleroderma, mixed connective tissue disease, and other autoimmune disorders. The test assists healthcare providers in confirming suspected autoimmune diseases, assessing disease activity, and guiding further investigations and treatment. Since ANA results can occasionally be positive in healthy individuals, the findings should always be interpreted together with the patient’s symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and additional laboratory tests. Early detection through ANA IFA testing supports timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and improved long-term disease management.