The antinuclear antibody (ANA) is a defining feature of autoimmune connective tissue disease. ANAs are a class of antibodies that bind to cellular components in the nucleus, including proteins, DNA, RNA, and nucleic acid-protein complexes. First described in 1948, ANA identification has been the foundation of diagnosis for autoimmune connective tissue disease, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjogren's syndrome, and polymyositis/dermatomyositis. Although 20 to 30% of the average population has detectable levels of ANAs, increased titers are characteristic of individuals with connective tissue disorders. Thus, the sensitivity and specificity of the methods used to detect ANAs are crucial to diagnosis.
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