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Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies

Autoantibodies against neutrophil proteins; testing helps evaluate autoimmune vasculitis and related systemic autoimmune conditions.

Overview

EXPLORE BY LEVEL

ANCA are that mistakenly target white blood cells called neutrophils. Doctors can use this test when they are checking for inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis).

Quick Facts

AT A GLANCE
MeasuresAutoantibodies against proteins in the cytoplasm of neutrophils
CategoryAutoantibody
Interpretation limitA positive autoantibody result alone is not a diagnosis. The source list did not name a specific vasculitis, so BASE links ANCA to no disease record.

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BiomarkerHBsAgA hepatitis B virus surface protein; its presence indicates current HBV infection.BiomarkerHBeAgA secreted HBV protein associated with active viral replication and high infectivity in a person with HBV infection.BiomarkerAnti-HBsAntibody to hepatitis B surface antigen, indicating immunity after recovery or vaccination.BiomarkerAnti-HBeAntibody to hepatitis B e antigen, usually associated with reduced viral replication.

Recommended Reading

Trusted references for learning more about Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA).

guideAutoantibody TestingMedlinePlus Medical Tests
Research Claims

A positive autoantibody result alone is not a diagnosis. The source list did not name a specific vasculitis, so BASE links ANCA to no disease record.

MedlinePlus describes ANCA testing as a way to help diagnose autoimmune vasculitis and notes that some healthy people have autoantibodies. BASE records ANCA's role in systemic autoimmune and vasculitic evaluation without assigning a specific vasculitis.