Anti Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA)

Department of Immunology

Association with Wegener's Granulomatosis, microscopic polyarteritis, necrotising or crescentic glomerulonephritis, other vasculitides and inflammatory bowel disorders - primarily ulcerative colitis.
May be used to monitor disease activity.
The main antigen for c-ANCA is proteinase-3 (PR3), which is a serine protease found in primary granules. Antibodies of p-ANCA patients are mainly directed to myeloperoxidase (MPO). Antibodies to other antigens (ie. lactoferrin, elastase, cathespin-G and lysozyme) often result in a similar p-ANCA pattern.
c-ANCA with a positive PR3 has a specificity for Wegener's Glanulomatosis of about 98%.
Test performed at Southmead Hospital, Bristol

Adult

5ml Gold-top SST tube or 3.5ml Rust-top gel tube (Trust users only)

5ml gold tube

Paediatric

1ml Serum Sample

1ml serum tube