Assay

Neutrophil cytoplasm antibodies (ANCA)

Key Words

Neutrophil cytoplasm antibodies, ANCA, NCA

Specimen Collection

Serum (brown)

Turnaround time

7 days

If this assay is needed URGENTLY please call the laboratory on x8454 to discuss.

Test indications

ANCA testing is indicated in patients presenting with acute renal failure associated pulmonary hemorrhage and patient with suspected vasculitis and / or Rapidly Progressive Glomerulonephritis. ANCA Antibodies are directed against different enzymes are associated with different patterns of neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies as detected by IIF.  There are 2 major classes of ANCA antibodies: Perinuclear or P ANCA or Cytoplasmic or C-ANCA.  P ANCA denotes stainning pattern of the perinuclear space of the neutrophil cytoplam.  It is principally targeted to Myeloperoxidase (MPO) however PANCA targets can include elastase, lactoferrin and BPI which are of uncertain clincial signifiacnce.  C-ANCA denotes a granular cytoplamic staining with interlobular accentulation. It principally targets Proteinase 3 enzyme but can target cathepsin G. All positive ANCA patterns will be automatically reflexed for anti-MPO and anti-PR3 ELISAs. Interpretation of ANCA must be done in conjunction with specific ELISA concentrations. Clinical and histological data is also imperative for a definative diagnosis of vasculitis. See anti-MPO and anti-PR3 for further detail.

Methodology

Indirect immunofluorescence

Interferences

No known methodological interferences

Reference Range

N/A

Analytical error

N/A

Reference change value

N/A