Antinuclear antibody , detected when a blood sample is microscopically evaluated using special cellular stain methods. ANAs indicate autoimmu- nity, or, an overactive misdirected immune system that can be asssociated with inflammation of various tissues of the body. The ANA test reveals different patterns, depending on how the cell nucleus is stained in the laboratory- homogeneous, or diffuse; speckled; nucleolar; and peripheral, or rim. Although these patterns are not specific for any one illness, certain illnesses can more frequently be associated with some patterns. For example, the nucleolar pattern is commonly found in the disease scleroderma. The speckled pattern is seen in many conditions and in persons who have no autoim- mune disorder. ANAs are found in approximately 5 percent of the normal population, usually in low titers (low levels).