Anti Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA)

Description

The Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA) test detects antibodies that target components of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell. This test is crucial in diagnosing and classifying certain autoimmune vasculitis syndromes, particularly ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). There are two main types of ANCA patterns: c-ANCA (cytoplasmic) and p-ANCA (perinuclear), which are associated with different forms of vasculitis. The test helps differentiate between conditions like granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). ANCA levels can also be used to monitor disease activity and response to treatment in these conditions. Interpreting ANCA results alongside clinical symptoms and other tests is essential for accurate diagnosis and management of ANCA-associated vasculitis.