Anti-Nuclear Antibodies

Essay # 51352

Biology > Biotechnology
Medical and Health > Medical Studies

A description of the main methods that are used to test for the presence of anti-nuclear antibodies.

884 words () | 9 sources | MLA | 2004 United Kingdom

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) is a helpful marker for diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus, chronic liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease and many others. In particular, it focuses on the alternatives to immunofluoresence for anti-nuclear antibody testing.

From the Paper:

"A scientist called Hargraves (1948) was the first to notice the anti nuclear antibodies in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are antibodies produced by the host immune system that attack the body's own tissues and organs instead of foreign invading organisms and toxins. Their production may be a result of an underlying autoimmune disease. About 5% of the population have a positive anti nuclear antibody. This percentage is higher in older ages, reaching a 15% in people ages 70 to 80 years old."