Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) can be found in blood using the anti nuclear antibody (ANA) test. Antibodies called ANAs assault healthy cells and tissues, which results in disease. The joints, skin, muscles, and many other bodily parts are all susceptible to injury from the ANAs. People who are at risk for or who have autoimmune diseases such rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune hepatitis, scleroderma, or systemic lupus erythematosus are advised to get this test (SLE). A small amount of ANA is present in the blood of most people, but an excessive amount may indicate an autoimmune disorder. Age and some drugs also have a tendency to raise the ANA levels.