The antinuclear antibody (ANA)assay is specific for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

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ANAs are immunoglobulins that react with the whole cell nucleus or nuclear components such as nuclear proteins,DNA,or histones in the tissue of the host.ANAs are found in a variety of disorders,including SLE and rheumatoid arthritis (RA),certain drugs,and in aging persons without disease.Thus the assays for ANAs are not specific for SLE.
 Rheumatoid factor belongs to a larger family of antiglobulins usually defined as antibodies with specificity for antigen determinants on the Fc fragment of human or certain animal IgG.Rheumatoid factors have been associated with three major immunoglobulin classes: IgM,IgG,and IgA.Rheumatoid factors are autoantibodies that can be present in many persons with RA,but not all.

The Antinuclear Antibody (ANA)assay Is Specific for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus