Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA) Blood Test

What is the purpose of this test?

Order this Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA) Blood Test to detect and measure ANCA in the blood and screen for certain forms of systemic vasculitis. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) are autoantibodies produced by the immune system that mistakenly target and attack specific proteins within neutrophils (a type of white blood cell). For example, two of the most common ANCAs are the autoantibodies that target myeloperoxidase (MPO) and proteinase 3 (PR3), also known as pANCAs and cANCAs.

Individuals may use this test to:

• Detect and screen for certain forms of systemic vasculitis, including:
• Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener granulomatosis)
• Microscopic polyangiitis
• Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg Strauss syndrome)
• Periodically this test may also be used to monitor treatment or detect a relapse of these conditions.
• Differentiate between ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), two of the most common types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

When should I order an Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA) Blood Test?

Individuals may order this test if they have experienced symptoms related to systemic vasculitis or even inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Common signs or symptoms of systemic vasculitis may include the following:

• Conjunctivitis (red, itchy eyes)
• Blurry vision
• Hearing loss
• Runny nose or other respiratory problems
• Skin rashes
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Protein in urine

In addition, symptoms of IBD may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Rectal bleeding
• Fever
• Tiredness
• Joint or bone pain
• Delayed growth or development in children