ANCA stands for anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody. It is a type of blood test that is used to diagnose autoimmune diseases, such as Wegener’s granulomatosis, microscopic polyangiitis, and Churg-Strauss syndrome. ANCA testing is performed to detect the presence of autoantibodies in the blood that can cause inflammation and damage to the blood vessels.
There are two main types of ANCAs: c-ANCA and p-ANCA.
C-ANCA is associated with Wegener’s granulomatosis, while p-ANCA is associated with microscopic polyangiitis and Churg-Strauss syndrome.
An ANCA test is typically performed by a doctor or a laboratory technician. The test involves drawing a sample of blood from the patient and then testing it for the presence of autoantibodies.
In order to prepare for an ANCA test, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions. You may need to fast for a certain period of time before the test, or you may need to stop taking certain medications.
During the ANCA test, you will be asked to sit or lie down while a sample of your blood is taken. The sample will then be sent to a laboratory for testing.
After the ANCA test, you can expect to receive the results within a few days. Your doctor will discuss the results with you and explain what they mean.
The risks of an ANCA test are minimal. The most common side effect is a slight discomfort or pain at the site of the blood draw.
It is important to remember that ANCA test results can be difficult to interpret. Your doctor will be able to explain the results to you and help you understand what they mean.
References
- American College of Rheumatology. (2020). Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA) Test. Retrieved from https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Tests-and-Treatments/Anti-Neutrophil-Cytoplasmic-Antibody-ANCA-Test
- Mayo Clinic. (2020). Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) test. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/anca-test/about/pac-20393520
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (2020). What I need to know about Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA) Associated Vasculitis. Retrieved from https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/antineutrophil-cytoplasmic-antibody-anca-associated-vasculitis
Keywords: ANCA test, autoimmune diseases, c-ANCA, p-ANCA, autoantibodies, blood test, Wegener’s granulomatosis, microscopic polyangiitis, Churg-Strauss syndrome, inflammation, blood vessels, fasting, medications, laboratory, results