Extractable Nuclear Antibodies (ENA) Blood Test

EXTRACTABLE NUCLEAR ANTIBODIES (ENA) BLOOD TEST

The ENA blood test, or Extractable Nuclear Antigen panel, is a crucial diagnostic tool used to detect specific autoantibodies associated with connective tissue diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Sjögren’s syndrome, scleroderma, and mixed connective tissue disease.

By identifying these unique markers in the bloodstream, you can accurately pinpoint the cause of persistent symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, and dry eyes or mouth. 

This panel includes the following:

• Anti-Smith (Anti-Sm): Often associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and considered quite specific for that condition.

• Anti-RNP (Ribonucleoprotein): Frequently linked to mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) but can also appear in lupus and other conditions.

• Anti-SSA (Anti-Ro) and Anti-SSB (Anti-La): Commonly seen in Sjögren’s syndrome; may also appear in lupus.

• Anti-Scl-70 (Anti-topoisomerase I): Associated with scleroderma (systemic sclerosis).

• Anti-Jo-1: Often indicates polymyositis or dermatomyositis, particularly when lung involvement is present.

6 BIOMARKERS