ANA Qualitative Test in Kathmandu

About this test

The Antinuclear Antibody test looks for antibodies that, instead of attacking germs, are mistakenly directed against the body's own cell nuclei — a hallmark of autoimmune disease. The qualitative version answers a simple but important screening question: is ANA present or absent? When positive, the lab usually reports the pattern seen under the microscope (homogeneous, speckled, nucleolar, centromere) and the titre, since these clues point towards specific conditions. Doctors most often order this test when they suspect systemic lupus erythematosus, but it also supports the work-up of rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, scleroderma, mixed connective tissue disease, and autoimmune hepatitis. Typical symptoms that prompt it include persistent joint pain and swelling, unexplained prolonged fever, a butterfly-shaped facial rash, marked sensitivity to sunlight, hair loss, mouth ulcers, dry eyes and mouth, fingers that turn white or blue in the cold, and long-standing fatigue that has no other explanation. A key point we always explain to patients: a positive ANA on its own does not mean you have lupus or any autoimmune illness. Low-level positives are common in healthy people, in the elderly, during pregnancy, and after certain infections, so the result must always be read alongside your symptoms, examination, and confirmatory tests such as anti-dsDNA, anti-Sm, ENA panel, complement levels, and inflammatory markers. Equally, a negative ANA is reassuring and makes lupus very unlikely. Because autoimmune diseases in Nepal are frequently diagnosed late after long doctor-shopping for vague aches and fevers, this test is a valuable early filter that helps your physician decide who needs deeper rheumatological assessment.

Sample type

Blood (serum)

Preparation

No fasting required. Water and food are fine. If you are already on steroids or immunosuppressant medicines, let us know, as these can influence the result.

Turnaround time

Reports for ANA Qualitative are typically ready within: Same Day. Reports can be collected at the clinic during opening hours or shared via WhatsApp once they are ready.

Also known as

Other immunology tests we run

These are routinely ordered alongside ANA Qualitative or as part of the same diagnostic workup.

How to book

WhatsApp is the fastest way — message us with the test name and your preferred time, and we'll confirm a slot the same day. You can also walk into the clinic at Rumba Chowk, Sanobharang any day between 7AM and 8PM, or fill in our online booking form.