Anti Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody ANCA Test

What Does the ANCA Test Measure?

The ANCA test detects the presence and pattern of two major types of antibodies linked to specific autoimmune conditions:

• c-ANCA (Cytoplasmic ANCA): Targets the enzyme Proteinase 3 (PR3) and is most commonly associated with granulomatosis with polyangiitis.
• p-ANCA (Perinuclear ANCA): Targets the enzyme Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and is associated with microscopic polyangiitis and other autoimmune disorders.
• Atypical ANCA: May be seen in conditions such as ulcerative colitis, sclerosing cholangitis, or connective tissue disorders.

These measurements help determine if an autoimmune vasculitis is present and assist in disease monitoring during treatment.

ANCA Test: Who Needs It and Why It’s Done

What Symptoms May Call for an ANCA Test?

Your doctor may recommend an ANCA test if you experience symptoms suggesting blood vessel inflammation or an autoimmune disorder, such as:

• Persistent fever, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss
• Joint pain or muscle aches
• Skin rashes, ulcers, or small red spots on the skin
• Shortness of breath or chronic cough
• Blood in urine or foamy urine, indicating kidney involvement

Who Should Get an ANCA Test?

The test is particularly useful for:

• Patients suspected to have autoimmune vasculitis such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis or microscopic polyangiitis
• Individuals with symptoms of kidney or lung involvement without an apparent cause
• Those with suspected inflammatory bowel disease or systemic autoimmune conditions
• People already diagnosed with autoimmune vasculitis to monitor treatment response and disease progression

Why Is an ANCA Test Done?

The ANCA test helps confirm the presence of autoantibodies causing inflammation of blood vessels. It aids in diagnosing and monitoring autoimmune vasculitic diseases and helps differentiate among similar conditions.

Importance of an ANCA Test

The ANCA test plays a key role in identifying serious autoimmune diseases early, allowing timely treatment to prevent organ damage. It helps doctors:

• Detect ANCA-associated vasculitis and related conditions
• Classify the disease type based on antibody pattern (c-ANCA or p-ANCA)
• Monitor disease activity and treatment response over time

Accurate diagnosis through this test supports better management of inflammation and prevention of long-term complications.

ANCA Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare

How to Book the ANCA Test and Get Your Reports?

1. Simple Online Booking
   You can book the ANCA test easily through the Metropolis Healthcare website or app. Choose a suitable time slot and provide your address for a home blood collection. You can also visit your nearest Metropolis Lab if you prefer to give your sample directly at the lab.
2. Safe Home Sample Collection
   Our trained phlebotomists visit your home for sample collection following strict hygiene and safety standards.
3. Sample Tracking Updates
   Track your sample status conveniently through the Metropolis Healthcare website or app from collection to testing.
4. Accurate Laboratory Testing
   Your sample is analysed using advanced Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) methods at NABL and CAP accredited Metropolis laboratories.
5. Quick & Easy Reports
   Receive your ANCA test results the same day via email, WhatsApp, or by downloading them from the Metropolis website or app.

Is Home Sample Collection for ANCA Test Available Near You?

Yes, Metropolis Healthcare offers convenient home collection services for the ANCA test. A trained professional will collect your blood sample at your preferred time, ensuring comfort, safety, and a hassle-free experience.

How Long Does It Take to Get an ANCA Test Report?

Reports are usually available on the same day once your sample reaches the lab.
Note: Reporting time and cost may vary based on your location.

Where Can I See or Get ANCA Test Results?

You can access your ANCA test results through the Metropolis website or app using your login credentials. Reports are also sent to you via email or WhatsApp, and you can collect a physical copy from the lab if preferred.

Interpreting ANCA Test Results

What Your ANCA Test Results May Indicate

Understanding Abnormal ANCA Test Results by Parameter

How Should You Prepare for an ANCA Test?

The ANCA test requires minimal preparation. Follow these easy steps before your test:

• No fasting required: You can eat and drink normally before the test.
• Medication review: Inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking.
• Hydration: Drink water as usual to make blood collection easier.
• Health condition disclosure: Let your doctor know if you have infections, autoimmune diseases, or recent vaccination, as they may affect interpretation.
• Stay relaxed: Ensure you are calm before the blood draw, as stress can sometimes affect test accuracy.

How Is an ANCA Test Done? (Step-by-Step Procedure)

The ANCA test involves a simple blood collection procedure:

• Preparation: A tourniquet is tied around your upper arm to make your veins more visible.
• Cleaning: The site is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
• Blood Draw: A sterile needle is inserted into your vein to collect the blood sample.
• Sample Collection: About 3 ml of blood is collected in a gel vacutainer tube.
• Completion: The needle is removed and a bandage applied.
• Processing: The sample is sent to the laboratory for Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) analysis.

Conditions That May Affect ANCA Test Accuracy

Certain factors can influence your ANCA test results:

• Infections or inflammation: Ongoing infections may cause false-positive results.
• Other autoimmune disorders: Conditions like ulcerative colitis or rheumatoid arthritis can sometimes produce ANCA without vasculitis.
• Recent vaccination or illness: May temporarily alter immune responses.
• Sample handling issues: Improper temperature or delayed processing can affect test stability.

Diseases That an ANCA Test Can Help Detect

The ANCA test helps diagnose and monitor several autoimmune conditions, including:

• Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA, formerly Wegener’s)
• Microscopic Polyangiitis (MPA)
• Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA)
• Primary Systemic Vasculitis
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Sclerosing Cholangitis
• Connective Tissue Disorders

ANCA Test Price in Different Cities

The cost of a ANCA Test may vary depending on your location. Here's a table showing the approximate price range for the ANCA Test at Metropolis Healthcare in major Indian cities:

The ANCA Test cost may vary depending on the city and the specific tests included in the panel. However, Metropolis Healthcare offers competitive ANCA Test prices across major cities in India.

References

1. Kallenberg C.G.M. et al. (2013). Pathogenesis of ANCA-associated vasculitis. Annals of Rheumatic Diseases, 72(Suppl 2), ii59–ii63. PMID: 23553607
2. Jennette J.C. et al. (2013). 2012 Revised International Chapel Hill Consensus Conference Nomenclature of Vasculitides. Arthritis & Rheumatism, 65(1), 1–11. PMID: 23045170
3. Holle J.U., Gross W.L. (2011). ANCA-associated vasculitides: Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. Nature Reviews Rheumatology, 7(12), 693–703. PMID: 21947117
4. Bossuyt X., Cohen Tervaert J.W. (2021). Clinical and laboratory advances in the diagnosis of ANCA-associated vasculitis. Nature Reviews Rheumatology, 17(3), 122–134. PMID: 33353992