What is the ENA blood test used for?

The extractable nuclear antigens (ENA) panel blood test is used to diagnose certain autoimmune disorders. This test is normally done after a patient has had a positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test, notes Lab Tests Online.

The ENA panel test helps in monitoring the progress of a known autoimmune disorder or differentiating between autoimmune disorders that may have similar signs and symptoms.

The test may be ordered when an individual experiences symptoms such as joint swelling, fatigue, muscle pain, proteinuria, skin rash, sensitivity to ultraviolet light and seizures. A particular advantage of this test is that it is not expensive, states the American Society for Microbiology.