Anti-nuclear Antibody

Instructors: Kathleen W. Hutchinson, MS, MT(ASCP); Mark H. Wener, MD; Bruce G. Gilliland, MD; Michael L. Astion, MD, PhD

Contact Hours: 2.0

Date: January 01, 2026 - December 31, 2027

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the steps of an indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) procedure and state the purpose of each step.
2. Identify the steps of an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) procedure and state the purpose of each step.
3. Describe the function of various components of an epifluorescence microscope and how they influence IFA staining.
4. State the role of ANA testing in the diagnosis of autoimmune rheumatic diseases.
5. View HEp-2 IFA results and determine whether they should be called ANA positive or negative in comparison to an endpoint control.
6. Identify the correct ANA titer when presented with a series of images.
7. Identify interphase (resting) and mitotic (dividing) HEp-2 cells.
8. Identify the ICAP organization and the basis for their pattern nomenclature.
9. Identify ANA staining patterns on HEp-2 cells.
10. Identify mixed ANA patterns.
11. Identify cytoplasmic staining patterns on HEp-2 substrate.
12. Identify artifacts on HEp-2
13. Identify positive results of IFA testing on Crithidia luciliae; state the antibody being tested, and the clinical utility of a positive result.
14. List the specific autoantibodies that are commonly associated with a positive ANA.
15. State the meaning of the term ENA and identify the antigens that are considered to be "ENAs".