The staining pattern of a positive ANA — provides clues about which autoimmune disease may be present.
What is it
When the ANA screen is positive, the staining pattern (homogeneous, speckled, nucleolar, centromere, etc.) provides additional clinical information about the type of autoimmunity.
Why it's measured
Different ANA patterns have been associated with different autoimmune conditions in published research.
Reference range
Standard laboratory reference
Pattern descriptor qualitative
Reference ranges vary by laboratory. Your individual reference range will appear on your test report and should be interpreted by your physician in the context of your overall health profile.
What results may indicate
Elevated
A reported pattern warrants clinical interpretation alongside titer and clinical findings.
Lower
A negative result is generally favorable.
These associations are general. They are not a personal diagnosis or prediction. Discuss your individual results with your physician in the context of your full health profile.
When it's measured
Reported when the ANA screen is positive.
Related markers
Common questions
When the ANA screen is positive, the staining pattern (homogeneous, speckled, nucleolar, centromere, etc.) provides additional clinical information about the type of autoimmunity.
It's one of the markers used to build a fuller picture of your health. On its own it tells you very little, so it's most informative when reviewed alongside related markers.
It's measured from a standard blood draw at Quest or LabCorp. ANA Pattern is one of the markers included in the OPTML Apex Panel, where your results are read across systems and reviewed by a U.S.-licensed physician.
Reference ranges vary by laboratory, and a single value rarely tells the whole story. Review your result with a physician in the context of your other markers, symptoms, and history.
ANA Pattern is one signal among many. Answer a few quick questions and we’ll point you to the panel that fits.
Measured in
A complete look at your heart, hormones, metabolism, inflammation, and longevity systems — drawn at Quest or LabCorp, reviewed by a U.S.-licensed physician.
Find the right panel →This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Lab results alone are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition and do not replace the advice of a healthcare provider. OPTML does not offer medical advice, a diagnosis, medical treatment, or any form of medical opinion.
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