ANCA blood test
Explanation
ANCA stands for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies. These are immune proteins that react with proteins inside certain white blood cells. Testing can help investigate some types of vasculitis, which means inflammation of blood vessels. A positive result alone does not diagnose vasculitis.
Why might the report say MPO or PR3?
Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and proteinase 3 (PR3) are two proteins that these antibodies can react with. Some laboratories test for antibodies to them directly.
The labels c-ANCA and p-ANCA describe patterns seen with another laboratory method. The pattern and the specific antibody result need to be read together. They are not interchangeable names for a diagnosis.
What do positive and negative results mean?
A positive result can support a diagnosis when the symptoms and other findings fit. ANCA can also occur in other conditions. A negative result does not exclude every form of vasculitis.
Further assessment may include other blood tests and, when needed, a tissue sample called a biopsy. Ask which antibody was found and how it fits the reason for your test.
Confusing Medical Report?
BaluMed makes medicine understandable! Our extensive medical report explanation 'translates' complex medical terms from MRI findings and discharge summaries into easily understandable language. With a combination of artificial intelligence and medical expertise, we offer quickly available and reliable information.
- Extensive. Summary, explanation per section, glossary.
- Fast & Reliable. Doctor-reviewed, within 24 hours.
- Privacy. Documents are automatically anonymized.
- Multilingual. German, English, Spanish or Italian.