Anti Neutrophilic Cytoplasmic Antibody - P Test

The Anti-Neutrophilic-Cytoplasmic-Antibody-P (ANCA) test is used to detect, aid in the diagnosis of, and sometimes monitor certain forms of the autoimmune disorder systemic vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels). ANCA are a sensitive and specific marker for ANCA-associated systemic vasculitis. This test can be done when you notice symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and weight loss that your health practitioner thinks may be due to a vascular autoimmune disorder. The test can also be done when you have symptoms such as intermittent diarrhea and abdominal pain.

No preparation is needed. But make sure that you go to the hospital wearing a short- sleeved shirt for the test. This is required to ease off the process of blood test.

The test involves the following procedures: A blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm. The blood sample is mixed with neutrophils and the mixture is placed on a slide and treated with a fluorescent stain. If ANCA are present, they will produce a pattern of fluorescence that can be seen under a microscope. Alternatively, the laboratory may test for myeloperoxidase antibodies or proteinase 3 antibodies directly using an ELISA assay.