Histologists often look for specific ANA staining patterns in IFA tests. These patterns can provide clues about the underlying autoimmune condition. Common patterns include:
Homogeneous: Even staining of the entire nucleus, often associated with SLE. Speckled: Discrete speckles throughout the nucleus, seen in a variety of autoimmune diseases. Nucleolar: Staining of the nucleoli, commonly seen in systemic sclerosis. Centromere: Staining of centromeres, typically associated with limited scleroderma (CREST syndrome).
