An overview of ENA panel blood test
An ENA panel, also known as the extractable nuclear antigen panel, is a blood test that checks for specific proteins in your blood, called autoantibodies. The test is used to help diagnose certain autoimmune diseases. Autoantibodies are produced by the immune system, which mistakenly targets and attacks the body's healthy tissues. The ENA panel consists of 4 to 6 different blood tests taken from a single blood sample. Each test checks for different autoantibodies, which can help identify specific autoimmune diseases such as lupus and mixed connective tissue disease. The ENA test is often used as a follow-up test after a positive ANA (antinuclear antibodies) test. Your healthcare team may use the ENA panel to help diagnose autoimmune diseases and monitor their progression over time.
What is ENA panel blood test used for?
An ENA panel blood test, also known as the extractable nuclear antigen test, is used to help diagnose certain autoimmune diseases. It checks for proteins in the blood, called antibodies, which are types of autoantibodies that mistakenly target and attack the body's own healthy tissues. The ENA test is a panel of 4 to 6 blood tests taken from a blood sample, each checking for different autoantibodies. It is often used as a follow-up test after a positive ANA test, which detects antinuclear antibodies in the blood. The ENA test can help diagnose autoimmune diseases such as lupus and mixed connective tissue disease.
How to prepare for ENA panel blood test?
For an ENA test, you don't need to make any special preparations beforehand. However, you should follow the instructions provided by your healthcare team regarding any fasting requirements or medication-related considerations. If your blood sample may be used for additional tests, you might need to fast or avoid certain medications for a period before the test. Your healthcare team will give you specific instructions on what you need to do to prepare for the ENA test. Remember to bring a list of medicines and supplements you are taking to your healthcare appointment to inform the team. Generally, if your healthcare team is only using the blood sample for an ENA test, you can eat and drink as usual before the test.
How is ENA panel blood test conducted?
An ENA panel blood test, also known as an extractable nuclear antigen test, is conducted by taking a blood sample. A healthcare professional will insert a needle into a vein in your arm to collect the blood sample, which will then be sent to a lab for testing. The ENA panel tests for different autoantibodies in the blood sample, which can help diagnose certain autoimmune diseases.
How are ENA panel blood test results reported?
ENA panel blood test results are typically reported as positive or negative for autoantibodies. A positive result indicates the presence of autoantibodies in the blood sample, while a negative result means that no autoantibodies were detected. However, interpreting ENA test results can be complex, and it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation. They can provide you with a comprehensive explanation of the results and their implications in the context of your medical history and overall health.
Understanding the report
ENA panel blood test results are interpreted by checking for the presence of autoantibodies in the blood sample. A positive ENA test result indicates the presence of these autoantibodies, which can be an indication of certain autoimmune diseases. However, it's important to note that a positive ENA test result should be evaluated in the context of a physical exam and other diagnostic tests performed by a rheumatologist. The interpretation of ENA test results should be done by an expert, such as a rheumatologist, who can provide guidance on the potential meaning of the results and any necessary follow-up tests.