ENA Panel
ENA (Extractable Nuclear Antigens) testing detects antibodies against specific nuclear proteins including anti-Ro/SSA, anti-La/SSB, anti-Sm, anti-RNP, anti-Scl-70, and anti-Jo-1. Each antibody is associated with specific autoimmune conditions, making ENA essential for classifying ANA-positive patients.
Turnaround 48 hours, estimate Turnaround: up to 48 hours after your blood draw (estimate).
ENA (Extractable Nuclear Antigens): what this test measures
This panel measures antibodies against multiple extractable nuclear antigens. The specific antibody profile helps differentiate between SLE, Sjogren syndrome, scleroderma, mixed connective tissue disease, and polymyositis.
ENA (Extractable Nuclear Antigens): why this value matters
ENA profiling is essential for accurate autoimmune disease classification. Anti-Ro is associated with neonatal lupus and congenital heart block risk in pregnancy. Anti-Sm is highly specific for SLE.
ENA (Extractable Nuclear Antigens): how the blood test works
- Referral
- No GP referral needed. After the order we arrange the referral through ZorgDomein, within one business day; orders after 17:00 or at the weekend start on the next business day. ZorgDomein emails a barcode, and that barcode is what the draw site needs.
- The draw
- A blood draw from a vein in the arm, at a partner laboratory's draw site. No home kit, no finger prick.
- Results
- Turnaround: up to 48 hours after your blood draw (estimate).
- Where
- 650+ draw sites run by independent laboratories across the Netherlands. Draw sites
ENA (Extractable Nuclear Antigens): when is testing worthwhile?
Testing could be indicated when ANA is positive and specific autoimmune disease classification is needed, or when clinical features suggest a specific connective tissue disease.
ENA (Extractable Nuclear Antigens): symptoms of a high or low value
Low Levels
A negative ENA panel in the context of positive ANA may suggest ANA is non-specific or related to a condition not characterised by ENA antibodies.
High Levels
Positive ENA antibodies point to specific conditions: anti-Ro/La suggest Sjogren syndrome, anti-Sm suggests SLE, anti-Scl-70 suggests scleroderma, anti-RNP suggests mixed connective tissue disease, anti-Jo-1 suggests polymyositis.
ENA (Extractable Nuclear Antigens): lifestyle and this value
If specific ENA antibodies are positive, consult a rheumatologist for targeted evaluation. Management depends on the specific antibody and associated condition. Sun protection is important for lupus-associated antibodies.
ENA (Extractable Nuclear Antigens): frequently asked questions
What does each ENA antibody mean?
Anti-Ro/SSA: Sjogren, SLE, neonatal lupus risk. Anti-La/SSB: Sjogren. Anti-Sm: SLE-specific. Anti-RNP: mixed connective tissue disease. Anti-Scl-70: diffuse scleroderma. Anti-Jo-1: polymyositis.
Why is anti-Ro important in pregnancy?
Anti-Ro can cross the placenta and cause neonatal lupus, including congenital heart block. Monitoring during pregnancy is essential for anti-Ro positive women.
Can ENA results change over time?
ENA antibodies tend to be stable once positive. They do not typically fluctuate with disease activity like anti-dsDNA does.
Results without a doctor's assessment
You receive your values with the unit and reference range. A doctor's assessment is not part of this site. Discuss your results with your GP for explanation and treatment decisions.
ENA (Extractable Nuclear Antigens)
€59,-