Advanced Diagnostic Laboratories

Extractable Nuclear Antigens

Test Code

ENA6

Description

Extractable nuclear antigens (ENA) is a term for a group of autoantibodies that are in the nucleus of the cell. These may be present in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjogren’s disease, systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), myositis and other connective tissue disorders. ENA causes tissue inflammation and destruction in the body’s joints and tissues. The ENA6 screening test includes IgG antibodies to Sm/RNP, Sm, SS-A, SS-B, Scl-70 and Jo-1, measured by ELISA. All positive ENA6 tests will automatically reflex to individual components Sm/RNP, Sm, SS-A and SS-B, but not to Scl-70 and Jo-1.

Collect

Draw one plain red top tube or SST tube and obtain 1 mL of serum

Patient Prep

Preferred volume: 1.0 mL serum

Pediatric Collection

Minimum volume: 0.5 mL serum

Unacceptable Conditions

Plasma, lipemic, grossly hemolyzed, microbially contaminated specimens, or specimens with visible particulates should not be used.

Storage Transport Temp

Frozen. Send serum Priority Overnight via FedEx and in a well insulated container on dry ice.

Stability

Up to 8 hours ambient or 48 hours refrigerated at 2-8°C. Freeze at or below -20°C for longer storage or shipping.

Notes

The ENA6 screening profile includes IgG antibodies to Sm/RNP, Sm, SS-A, SS-B, Scl-70 and Jo-1, measured by ELISA.

All positive ENA6 tests will automatically reflex to individual components Sm/RNP, Sm, SS-A and SS-B, but not to Scl-70 and Jo-1.

All components except Jo-1 may also be ordered separately.

Performed

Monday - Friday

Methodology

Enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA)

Turnaround Time

7 business days

Department

Immunology Lab - Diagnostic

Synonyms

ENA Profile, ANA, anti-nuclear antibodies

Study Offerings

CAP/CLIA

Related Tests

ANA, RNP, Sm, SS-A, SS-B, Scl-70, MYOS (includes Jo-1), DSDNA

Reference Interval

Negative <20
Weak Positive 20-39
Moderate Positive 40-80
Strong Positive >80 units

Interpretation

A positive antibody result may be suggestive of an autoimmune disease. All positive ENA6 tests will automatically reflex to individual components Sm/RNP, Sm, SS-A and SS-B, but not to Scl-70 and Jo-1.