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Describe or define antinuclear antibody (ANA). List five different types of ANA

What two ANAs are specific for this condition?
What is the significance of abnormal urinalysis and chemistry tests?

User Kinman
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Final answer:

An antinuclear antibody (ANA) is an autoantibody produced by the immune system that targets and binds to components of the cell nucleus. ANA testing is used to diagnose autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Two ANAs that are specific for SLE are anti-dsDNA and anti-Smith (anti-Sm) antibodies.

Step-by-step explanation:

An antinuclear antibody (ANA) is an autoantibody produced by the immune system that targets and binds to components of the cell nucleus. ANA testing is used to diagnose autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

There are several different types of ANA, including ANA against DNA, histones, Ro (SSA), La (SSB), and RNP (ribonucleoprotein). Two ANAs that are specific for SLE are anti-dsDNA and anti-Smith (anti-Sm) antibodies. These specific ANAs are highly indicative of SLE when detected in patients with characteristic symptoms.

Abnormal urinalysis and chemistry tests are significant in the context of ANA testing because they can provide additional evidence of organ involvement and disease severity. For example, abnormal urinalysis may indicate kidney involvement in SLE, while abnormal chemistry tests may reveal liver or kidney dysfunction.

User GrantTheAnt
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