ANA BLOT ANTIBODIES TO EXTRACTABLE NUCLEAR ANTIGEN (ANTI MI,ANTI KU,SMITH ABS, NRNP/SM,SS-A (RO) in Pune

ANA Blot Antibodies to Extractable Nuclear Antigen (ENA): Price, Purpose, Range & Reports 

Test Overview

The ANA Blot Antibodies to Extractable Nuclear Antigen (ENA) test is a crucial second-line diagnostic tool used in the workup of systemic autoimmune diseases. Following a positive initial Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) screen, the ANA Blot (typically performed using Immunoblot or Line Blot technology) specifically identifies and quantifies 17 distinct autoantibodies, known as Extractable Nuclear Antigens (ENAs), that target components within the cell nucleus.

This panel is essential for distinguishing among connective tissue diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's Syndrome, Scleroderma, and Myositis, as the presence of specific antibodies (such as Anti-Sm, Anti-Scl-70, or Anti-Jo-1) is highly indicative of a particular disease.

What is the ANA Blot (ENA) Test?

The ANA Blot (ENA) test is a molecular diagnostic assay used to confirm and precisely define systemic autoimmune disorders, typically performed after a general ANA screen is positive. The test works by using purified Extractable Nuclear Antigens (ENAs), such as Sm, Ro, and La, immobilised on a solid phase (like a membrane strip). When a patient's serum is applied, specific autoantibodies in the blood bind to these corresponding antigens. This process creates a unique profile of positive and negative antibodies, which is crucial because it moves beyond the simple 'positive' result of the initial ANA test. 

By identifying specific autoantibodies (such as Anti-Sm or Anti-Scl-70), the ANA Blot provides the diagnostic clarity needed to differentiate among connective tissue diseases, such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's Syndrome, or Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD).

What is the ANA Blot (ENA) Test Price?

The cost of the ANA Blot ENA test is typically higher than a standard ANA screen. This price reflects the advanced technology and high degree of specialisation required to perform and interpret a multi-antigen immunoblot assay.

Factors Affecting the Test Cost

The final price is influenced by these essential quality and service factors:

• Advanced Technology: The fee covers the cost of high-specificity purified antigens and the specialised equipment (Immunoblot or Line Blot apparatus) needed to run the 17 simultaneous antibody checks.
• Expert Interpretation: The analysis requires skilled molecular biologists and often rheumatologist consultation to interpret the complex antibody profile, which can indicate overlap syndromes.
• Quality Assurance: The test is performed at NABL-accredited Apollo laboratories, ensuring accurate and reliable detection of low-titer or rare autoantibodies.
• Location: Prices may vary slightly by city due to regional operating costs and logistics.

To find the most accurate and current ANA Blot (ENA) test price near me, please check the Apollo 24|7 app or website for real-time pricing specific to your location.

What is the Purpose of the ANA Blot (ENA) Test?

The primary purpose of the ANA Blot (ENA) test is to provide diagnostic specificity when an autoimmune disease is suspected.

• Differentiating Autoimmune Diseases: To distinguish between various systemic autoimmune conditions (e.g., differentiating SLE from Sjögren's or Scleroderma), which all may present with a positive general ANA test.
• Confirming Diagnosis: The presence of highly specific antibodies (e.g., Anti-Sm, Anti-Scl-70) can definitively confirm a disease, often correlating with specific clinical manifestations.
• Assessing Prognosis/Disease Subtype: Some antibodies (like Anti-dsDNA) are associated with more severe organ involvement (e.g., kidney disease in SLE), helping guide aggressive treatment strategies.
• Monitoring Disease Activity: Certain antibodies, particularly Anti-dsDNA, can fluctuate in titer, sometimes reflecting the intensity of the disease flare.

Who Should Get the ANA Blot (ENA) Test Done?

This test is typically ordered by a rheumatologist, immunologist, or general practitioner who suspects an autoimmune connective tissue disease.

You may be advised to take this test if:

• You have a positive general ANA test, especially with a homogeneous or speckled staining pattern, but the specific diagnosis is unclear.
• You exhibit clinical symptoms strongly suggestive of an autoimmune condition (e.g., unexplained joint pain, chronic fatigue, photosensitivity, Raynaud’s phenomenon, or severe dry eyes/mouth).
• You are being worked up for SLE, Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma), or Inflammatory Myositis (Polymyositis/Dermatomyositis).
• You have unexplained organ-specific findings like interstitial lung disease or kidney inflammation, which can be linked to systemic autoimmunity.

Components of ANA Blot Antibodies to Extractable Nuclear Antigen (18 Tests)

The panel includes 17 specific autoantibodies against nuclear and cytoplasmic components, plus one control band to ensure test validity (totalling 18 components). The detection of these specific antibodies allows for high-precision diagnosis.

• dsDNA: Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE); highly specific for SLE and often linked to lupus nephritis.
• Nucleosomes: Associated with SLE; linked to active disease and lupus nephritis, similar to dsDNA.
• Histones: Primary marker for Drug-Induced Lupus Erythematosus, indicating lupus symptoms caused by certain medications.
• SmD1 (Smith): Highly specific (diagnostic) for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE); even if other antibodies are negative.
• PCNA: Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE); rare, but often correlates with severe, aggressive disease and kidney involvement.
• Rib-P0: Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE); linked to neuropsychiatric symptoms in SLE (e.g., psychosis, depression).
• SS-A/Ro60 & SS-A/Ro52: Associated with Sjögren's Syndrome and SLE; linked to severe dry eyes/mouth and neonatal lupus risk.
• SS-B/La: Associated with Sjögren's Syndrome and SLE; often co-occurs with SS-A and is associated with primary Sjögren’s Syndrome.
• CENP B: Marker for Systemic Sclerosis (CREST/Limited Scleroderma), associated with a low risk of diffuse lung fibrosis.
• Scl-70: Marker for Systemic Sclerosis (Diffuse Scleroderma), associated with a high risk of severe interstitial lung disease.
• U1-snRNP: Primary diagnostic marker for Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD); often showing overlap features with SLE/Scleroderma.
• AMA-M2: Primary marker for Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC), an autoimmune liver disease (included for differential diagnosis).
• J0-1: Marker for Inflammatory Myositis (Polymyositis/Dermatomyositis), associated with lung disease (interstitial pneumonia).
• PM-Scl: Indicates a Polymyositis/Scleroderma Overlap syndrome, showing features of both myositis and scleroderma.
• Mi-2: Associated with Dermatomyositis and classical presentation features like skin rash.
• Ku: Associated with Overlap Syndromes (SLE/Scleroderma/Myositis) and a high incidence of lung involvement.
• CONTROL BAND: Serves as a Quality Control measure, assuring the technical validity and proper function of the assay strip.

Understanding an ANA Blot (ENA) Report

The ANA Blot ENA report lists all 17 autoantibodies tested, with each result typically reported as Positive, Negative, or Equivocal, and often including a semi-quantitative value (e.g., weak positive, strong positive). The interpretation focuses on the pattern of positive antibodies. The report may vary slightly between laboratories, depending on their protocols, equipment, and regional guidelines. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation in the context of clinical findings. 

Interpretation Note: Autoantibody results are never interpreted in isolation. A positive result must always be correlated with the patient's clinical signs and symptoms (fever, rash, joint pain, etc.) by a qualified healthcare provider, such as a rheumatologist. The presence of multiple positive antibodies suggests an Overlap Syndrome.

Preparation and Procedure for the ANA Blot (ENA) Test

This is a standard blood test requiring minimal preparation.

How Is the ANA Blot (ENA) Test Performed?

A certified phlebotomist will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The serum is separated from the blood, and the assay is performed in the laboratory using the specialised immunoblot technique. The resulting band patterns are interpreted to determine which specific antibodies are present in your blood.

Is Fasting Needed Before the Test?

No, fasting is generally not required for the ANA Blot (ENA) test.

Can Medications Affect the Test Results?

No, standard medications do not typically affect the production or level of autoantibodies. However, certain immunosuppressive drugs may lower antibody levels. It is critical to inform your doctor about all current and recent medications, as this context is vital for interpreting the results.

What Is the Best Time of Day to Take the Test?

The blood draw can be done at any time of day.

How Frequently Is the Test Needed?

This test is usually performed once for diagnostic purposes. It may be repeated if the initial result was equivocal or if the clinical picture changes significantly, necessitating re-evaluation of the autoantibody profile.

Booking the ANA Blot (ENA) Test Online & Checking Reports

Apollo 24|7 simplifies scheduling this specialised diagnostic test and accessing your results quickly and securely.

A. What are the Steps to Schedule the Test on Apollo 24|7?

1. Visit the Apollo 24|7 website or mobile application and search for ANA Blot Antibodies to Extractable Nuclear Antigen (ENA).
2. Review the latest test price for your city and click the ‘Book Now’ button.
3. Select your preferred date and a convenient time slot for home sample collection.
4. Complete the secure online payment. You will receive immediate confirmation and any necessary instructions.

B. How Do I Access My Test Results Online on Apollo 24|7?

1. Log in to your Apollo 24|7 accounts using your registered phone number or email ID.
2. Go to the ‘Health Records’ or ‘My Reports’ section on your dashboard.
3. Click on the test name to view your detailed, NABL-certified report, which will clearly list the results for all 17 autoantibodies.
4. You can easily view the report online or download it in PDF format to share instantly with your physician.

Conclusion

The ANA Blot (ENA) test is a cornerstone of modern autoimmune diagnosis. Precisely mapping the specific autoantibodies present in a patient's blood enables rheumatologists to accurately differentiate between complex connective tissue diseases like SLE, Scleroderma, and Sjögren's Syndrome. This level of detail is essential for establishing the correct diagnosis, predicting potential organ involvement, and tailoring highly specific, effective treatment plans, leading to better patient outcomes.