Name |
Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA) |
Alternative name/Profile |
ANCA, Cytoplasmic Neutrophil Antibodies, Perinuclear Cytoplasmic Antibodies, pANCA, cANCA, Myeloperoxidase, MPO, Proteinase 3, PR3, Wegener's Granulomatosis, Granulomatosis with Polyangitis, GPA, Microscopic Polyangiitis, MPA |
Department |
Immunology |
Investigation |
Indirect Immunofluorescence (Aesku ANCA Ethanol Slides (Ethanol-Fixed Human Neutrophils, 12 well) |
Specimen type |
Clotted blood
|
Sample type |
Serum |
Sample container & volume |
5ml Red. |
Frequency of analysis |
Daily Monday to Friday |
Turnaround time |
3 days. |
Availability |
When an urgent ANCA is required the requesting consultant or senior registrar must phone the Clinical Immunology team via St. James’s Hospital switchboard on 01-4103000 to request an urgent ANCA and anti-GBM. The urgency of the request must be outlined. |
Notes |
Useful for:
- Investigating patients suspected of having Autoimmune Vasculitis, such as Granulomatosis with Polyangitis (GPA) (Wegener's granulomatosis (WG)) or Microscopic Polyangiitis (MPA).
Clinical Information:
- Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA) occur in patients with Autoimmune Vasculitis.
- Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA) are directed against enzymes in the cytoplasmic granules of human neutrophils such as Proteinase 3 (PR3), Myeloperoxidase (MPO), Elastase, or Cathepsin G.
- Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA) directed against Proteinase 3 (PR3) are generally found in patients with Granulomatosis with Polyangitis (GPA) (Wegener's granulomatosis (WG)). This includes patietns with limited WG.
- Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA) directed against Myeloperoxidase (MPO) are generally found in patients with Microscopic Polyangitis (MPA).
- Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA) titres can be used to monitor treatment. However it is recommended that Proteinase 3 (PR3) and Myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels be used instead.
Please Note:
- All patients with an Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA) request are screened at a dilution of 1:20. If positive the sample has a Proteinase 3 (PR3) and Myeloperoxidase (MPO) immunoassay performed. This is requested by the laboratory.
- Occasionally a weak Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA) may obscure the pattern. If this is the case the sample is reported as 'Obscured by positive ANA' and a Proteinase 3 (PR3) and Myeloperoxidase (MPO) immunoassay performed. This is requested by the laboratory.
- This test is also available on an urgent basis by arrangement with the Immunology Clinical Team. For urgent tests turnaround time is approximately three hours from specimen receipt.
- The cut-off time for sample receipt is 15.00 on Fridays.
- Where External Institiutions cannot guarantee immediate delivery, samples must be centrifuged, separated and stored at 4oC. Samples can then be transported, as soon as possible, to St. James's Hospital for processing.
|
Related links |
Clarification of arrangements for Urgent ANCA & anti-GBM |
Reference range |
Negative
Possible patterns:
Granualar Cytoplasmic (GC), Perinuclear (PE), Atypical (ATC) and Obscured (Obscured by a positive ANA). |
Last updated |
Fri, 19 Jul 2024 09:36:56 IST |
