What is an extractable nuclear antigen test?

An extractable nuclear antigen (ENA) test is a laboratory analysis used to detect the presence of specific proteins in the blood. These proteins are primarily found within the nucleus of cells and can indicate the presence of autoimmune diseases.

The ENA test is ordered by healthcare providers when an autoimmune disease is suspected. The test identifies the presence of specific antibodies against ENA proteins, which are produced by the immune system to attack foreign substances. In some cases, these antibodies may mistakenly attack the body's own cells, leading to autoimmune diseases such as lupus, scleroderma, or Sjögren's syndrome.

In conclusion, the ENA test is an important diagnostic tool for identifying autoimmune diseases. If you have symptoms such as joint pain, fatigue, rash, or fever, talk to your healthcare provider about whether an ENA test might be appropriate for you. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent complications associated with autoimmune diseases.

What is the purpose of an extractable nuclear antigen test?

The ENA test measures the levels of specific antibodies that are produced by the immune system in response to the antigens found in the cell nucleus. These antigens are extracted from the nucleus of cells and then tested for the presence of specific antibodies.

The purpose of the ENA test is to help healthcare providers diagnose autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues in the body. The presence of specific ENA antibodies in the blood can help identify which autoimmune disease a patient may have.

The ENA test is also used to monitor disease activity and track the effectiveness of treatment over time. For example, if a patient with lupus has high levels of anti-Ro antibodies, their healthcare provider may use this information to adjust their treatment plan.

In conclusion, the purpose of an extractable nuclear antigen test is to help diagnose autoimmune diseases by measuring the levels of specific antibodies in the blood. This test is an important tool for healthcare providers to accurately diagnose and manage autoimmune diseases.

How is an extractable nuclear antigen test performed?

The extractable nuclear antigen (ENA) test is a blood test used to detect autoimmune disorders. It analyzes the presence of specific proteins in the blood that are associated with autoimmune diseases.

The ENA test is usually performed by drawing a blood sample from a vein in the arm. The sample is collected in a vial and sent to a laboratory for analysis.

In the laboratory, the blood sample is processed to separate the blood cells from the liquid plasma. The plasma is then tested for the presence of ENAs using a technique called immunodiffusion or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Immunodiffusion involves placing the patient's blood plasma on a gel containing known antibodies to ENAs. If the patient's plasma contains ENAs, it will react with the antibodies and produce a visible line on the gel.

ELISA, on the other hand, uses enzymes to detect ENAs in the plasma. The patient's plasma is mixed with a solution containing a known antibody to ENAs and an enzyme that can produce a color change. If ENAs are present, they will bind to the antibody and trigger the enzyme to produce a color change.

The results of the ENA test are usually reported as positive or negative for specific ENAs, such as Ro, La, Smith, RNP, and Scl-70. A positive result indicates the presence of specific ENAs in the blood, which may indicate an autoimmune disorder.

What diseases can be detected through an extractable nuclear antigen test?

Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells and tissues. ENA testing is one of the methods used to help diagnose these conditions, and it can detect antibodies associated with a range of autoimmune diseases.

Some of the autoimmune diseases that can be detected through an ENA test include:

1. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) - This is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs and tissues in the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, and heart. ENA testing can detect antibodies against several different proteins associated with SLE, including anti-SSA/Ro, anti-SSB/La, anti-Sm, and anti-RNP.

2. Sjogren's syndrome - This is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the salivary and lacrimal glands, leading to symptoms such as dry mouth and eyes. ENA testing can detect antibodies against the SSA/Ro and SSB/La proteins, which are commonly found in people with Sjogren's syndrome.

3. Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) - This is a rare autoimmune disease that shares some features with SLE, scleroderma, andpolymyositis. ENA testing can detect antibodies against the U1-RNP protein, which are often present in people with MCTD.

4. Scleroderma - This is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin and connective tissues, causing them to become thick and hard. ENA testing can detect antibodies against the Scl-70 protein, which is commonly found in people with scleroderma.

5. Dermatomyositis - This is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the muscles and skin, causing muscle weakness and a rash. ENA testing can detect antibodies against the Jo-1 protein, which is commonly found in people with dermatomyositis.

In summary, the ENA test is a blood test used to detect the presence of certain antibodies in the blood, which can be an indication of autoimmune diseases. The test can detect antibodies associated with a range of autoimmune diseases, including SLE, Sjogren's syndrome, MCTD, scleroderma, and dermatomyositis. If you are experiencing symptoms of an autoimmune disease, your healthcare provider may recommend an ENA test to help with diagnosis and treatment.

Are there any specific instructions I should follow when having an extractable nuclear antigen test in Delhi?

Yes, there are specific instructions that you should follow when having an extractable nuclear antigen (ENA) test in Delhi. Here are some guidelines to ensure that you get accurate results and have a comfortable experience during the test:

1. Schedule an appointment with a reputable lab or diagnostic center in Delhi that offers ENA testing. Make sure to confirm their hours of operation, location, and any other relevant information beforehand.

2. Inform your healthcare provider of any medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you are taking, as they may interfere with the test results. Follow their instructions about whether or not to continue taking these medications before the test.

3. Follow any dietary restrictions prescribed by your healthcare provider, such as fasting for a certain period of time before the test.

4. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the veins in your arm.

5. Arrive at the lab or diagnostic center at least 15 minutes before your appointment time to complete any necessary paperwork and prepare for the test.

6. During the test, a healthcare provider will insert a needle into a vein in your arm to collect a small sample of your blood. You may feel a slight pinch or pressure during this process, but it should not be painful.

7. After the test, follow any post-test instructions provided by your healthcare provider. You may be advised to rest for a short period of time before resuming your normal activities.

By following these instructions, you can ensure that your ENA test is accurate and free fromany unnecessary complications. It is important to note that the ENA test is just one tool that healthcare providers use in the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune diseases.

DESCRIPTION – an extractable antigen panel detects the presence of autoantibodies in the blood that react with proteins in the cell nucleus. These proteins are known as extractable because they can be removed from cell nuclei using saline and represent six main proteins

METHODOLOGY – semi- quantitative enzyme linked immunosorbent assay

TURN AROUND TIME – 1-2 days

SPECIMEN REQUIERED –

COLLECT – serum separator tube

SPECIMEN PREPARATION – separate serum from cells within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 ml of serum to transport tube

STORAGE/TRANSPORT TEMPERATURE – refrigerated

STABILITY – ambient: 48 hours; refrigerated: 1 week; frozen: 1 month

UNACCEPTABLE CONDITION – plasma or other body fluids. Bacterially contaminated and severely lipemic specimens

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS – clinical history is mandatory