ENA Profile Test

Extractable Nuclear Antigen Antibodies are more than 100 different soluble cytoplasmic and nuclear antigens that attack proteins in a cell nucleus. Autoantibodies to these antigens result in specific autoimmune disorders, like Sjögren’s syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) etc. ENA profile test is a quantitative assay for estimating specific Immunoglobulin autoantibodies with respect to extractable nuclear antigens in human serum. It helps to diagnose particular autoimmune diseases. This test is particularly prescribed when the patient shows certain symptoms which could be the outcomes of an autoimmune disorder and has a positive ANA test. Such signs may include persistent fever and fatigue, muscle pain and joint swelling-pain, skin rash, proteinuria, hemolytic anemia or leukopenia and certain neurological signs (depression, psychoses, seizures). In maximum cases, a negative ANA(anti-nuclear antibody) test doesn't need an ENA panel test where 4-6 autoantibodies are paneled in a group.

A blood sample is required to quantify the Extractable Nuclear Antigen Antibodies. Certain medications can influence the result of the test. Henceforth it's vital to inform the doctor and healthcare provider about medical history. Apart from this, no particular preparation is needed before the test.

Antibodies are body's protection system to act against foreign invaders like fungi, bacteria and other important microorganisms. The problem of autoimmune disorders arises when antibodies mistakenly attack body's own tissues. These antibodies are then called as autoantibodies. Inflammation, tissue damage and some other symptoms are concerned with the autoimmune disorders. So autoantibody tests are vital to detect such diseases. ENA profile test helps to detect as well as distinguish between various types of autoimmune disorders. These types of antibodies are frequently observed in those people who are infected with certain autoimmune disorders and less common or absent in those without any such disease.

Positive anti-RNP may depict: Mixed connective tissue disorder, Scleroderma or Systemic lupus erythematosus. Positive anti-SS-A/Ro can depict: Sjögren’s syndrome, Scleroderma, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Nephritis, Antiphospholipid syndrome etc. Positive anti-SS-A/La can depict: Sjögren’s syndrome, Scleroderma L, SLE etc. Findings of the ENA antibodies panel test isn't stand-alone test to identify a particular autoimmune disorder, but obviously magnify the chances of these diseases. Suitable clinical findings as well as additional supplemental examinations, are necessary to conclude.

A blood sample is collected with the help of venipuncture process. An elastic band is placed around the upper arm to stop the blood flow. In this way, the vein becomes more clear. A disposable syringe is inserted into an arm vein and blood is collected in a tube. After that, the puncture site is wiped with spirit and a cotton ball is placed on it.