What does "ANA" mean in a report or doctor's letter? In our medical dictionary, you will find a patient-friendly explanation of the meaning of this medical term.
ANA stands for Antinuclear Antibody. It's a type of protein that the body's immune system produces when it mistakenly identifies certain parts of its own cells as foreign. These antibodies can attack the body's own tissues, leading to various autoimmune diseases. A test for ANA is often used to help diagnose conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
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