An Extractable Nuclear Antigen Antibodies short for (ENA) detects the presence of one or more specific autoantibodies in the blood. Autoantibodies are produced when a person's immune system mistakenly targets and attacks the body's own tissues which leads to autoimmune disorders.
A physician will order an ENA test generally when a person has signs and symptoms that could be due to an autoimmune disorder and has a positive ANA test. Signs and symptoms of autoimmune disorders are highly variable and can involve several different areas of the body.
Common Conditions:
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Joint pain
• Skin rash
• Skin sensitivity to light
• Muscle pain
• Seizures
• Depression
• Low red/white blood cells