ANA profile (immunoblot)
Quick answer: An ANA profile tests your blood for a panel of specific antinuclear antibodies at once, usually by immunoblot, to show which antibodies are present. Doctors usually order it after a positive ANA screen to help tell apart conditions such as lupus, Sjogren's syndrome, scleroderma and myositis.
- SampleBlood
- TakesAbout 5 minutes for the blood draw
- Before the testNo special preparation is usually needed.
How the test is done
- 1Staff take your details and check the doctor's request
- 2A nurse draws blood from a vein in your arm
- 3One tube of blood is enough for the whole panel
- 4The lab runs a strip that tests many specific antibodies side by side
What your results can mean
Reading your report
Each antibody is reported separately as negative, borderline or positive; your doctor interprets the pattern with your symptoms.
If the result is outside the usual range
A positive band can point towards a particular condition, for example dsDNA or Sm with lupus, Ro and La with Sjogren's syndrome, Scl-70 or centromere with scleroderma, and Jo-1 with myositis. Weak bands can also be seen in healthy people.
Who usually has this test
People who have had a positive ANA screening test and symptoms that suggest a connective tissue disease.
Risks and aftercare
You may notice slight soreness or a small bruise on your arm for a day or two.
Names and options
Also called: ANA profile, ENA panel, ANA blot, extractable nuclear antigen panel
Options
- ANA immunoblot
- ANA profile
Listed by the hospital as
- ANA, SERUM IMMUNOBLOT
- ANA PROFILE
Questions about this test
How is an ANA profile different from an ANA test?
The ANA test is a screen that shows whether antinuclear antibodies are present. The profile then checks which specific antibodies they are, which helps your doctor narrow down the cause.
Do I need an ANA profile if my ANA is negative?
Usually not, because a negative ANA makes most of these conditions unlikely. An exception is anti-Ro, which can sometimes be present with a negative ANA, so your doctor may still check it in some situations.
What does a borderline band on an ANA profile mean?
A borderline or weak band means a small amount of that antibody was seen. It may not be significant on its own, and your doctor may repeat the test or look at other results before deciding.
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This page explains each test in general terms so you know what to expect. It is not medical advice: your doctor decides which tests you need and what your results mean. Reference ranges differ between laboratories. Updated 4 November 2026.