ANCA Test - Price, Need, Procedure, Reports, & More

Table of Content

Introduction to ANCA Test 

The antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) test is a blood test that checks for the proteins the immune system makes to fight foreign substances. These could be bacteria, viruses, etc. The ANCAs mistakenly target neutrophils (white blood cells). This results in a disorder called autoimmune vasculitis. It can lead to inflammation and swelling in your blood cells. There are two types of ANCAs: p-ANCA and c-ANCA. The former targets a protein called myeloperoxidase (MPO), and the latter underlines a protein called proteinase 3 (PR3). Your doctor may suggest the test to diagnose the type of autoimmune vasculitis and whether you have one or two kinds of antibodies. 

One of the most important reasons a doctor recommends an ANCA test is if he cannot rule out whether you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. These are inflammatory bowel diseases with similar symptoms. 

If your doctor has suggested an ANCA test based on symptoms such as fatigue, fever, general aches and pain, weight loss, and loss of appetite, you can call Redcliffe Labs to book your appointment. You can also schedule the test online. Our phlebotomist will arrive at your doorstep with a blood sample collection kit to take your blood sample. We assure you of a painless blood drawing procedure and a precise report. So, why wait? Book your ANCA blood test now with Healthy India Ki Trusted Lab, Redcliffe Labs! 

Test Details:

When should you get the ANCA test?

The ANCA test aims to determine whether you have ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Both of these have similar symptoms of IBD, such as rectal bleeding, pain in the stomach area, diarrhea, sometimes with blood, weight loss, or fever. About 80% of people diagnosed with ulcerative colitis test positive for pNCA. 

The ANCA test focuses on pNCA and cNCA, two different types of proteins inside white blood cells. 

There are other tests that your doctor may suggest to diagnose IBD, including: 

• Blood tests
• Physical exams
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD): This test involves inserting a scope into the upper gastrointestinal tract (GI) to check for changes in the large intestine and rectum. 
• Colonoscopy: During this test, a doctor inserts a scope into your lower GI tract to check for any change in your large intestine. 

No matter the reason, if your healthcare provider has suggested an ANCA test, you need not delay. Book it now from Redcliffe Labs. Early detection can further lead to better management and improved outcomes. 

When do I need an ANCA test?

You may need an ANCA test if your doctor finds symptoms of autoimmune vasculitis, including granulomatosis with microscopic polyangiitis, polyangiitis, and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. The symptoms can develop slowly and quickly and be severe or mild. Some general symptoms may include: 

• Fatigue: Usually, patients complain about fatigue when they suffer from autoimmune vasculitis.
• Fever: Fatigue alone can confirm that you need to take an ANCA blood test if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, joint aches and pain, loss of appetite, and weight loss. 

There are several other scenarios in which your doctor may suggest the test. You may need the test depending on your vasculitis and which parts of your body are affected. Symptoms in some commonly affected areas include: 

Other scenarios when your doctor may prompt the need for an ANCA test: 

• Loss of vision in the eyes and ears: The autoimmune vasculitis disorder may cause vision loss in your eyes and ears. You may also feel a burning sensation, redness, or itchiness in your eyes. You may also experience ringing in the ear, and if it gets intense, it can damage your hearing. 
• Sinus infection: A sinus infection in the nose can cause coughing and congestion. Mucus drainage in the back of the throat may also occur. 
• Dizziness: A sudden drop in blood pressure or being hydrated can make you feel lightheaded. 

Several symptoms are associated with the ANCA test, including blood in the urine, rashes or hives on the skin, and numbness in different parts of the body. 

No matter the reason, if your doctor has suggested an ANCA test based on your symptoms, risk factors, or other reasons, getting tested in time is important. It is to diagnose the illness and initiate treatment quickly. 

What preparations are required for the ANCA test?

The ANCA blood test is simple and risk-free. Once booked, our phlebotomist will visit your property at the expected time with a home blood sample collection kit. The test does not require any special preparation, so you can usually eat or drink before the test. If you take any medicines, inform your doctor before the test, as their ingredients can influence the results. 

If you have any doubts or concerns, discuss them with your medical professional before the test and get the best advice for accurate results. 

What is the procedure for the ANCA test?

The ANCA blood test includes the following steps, which are as follows: 

• Once the ANCA test is booked, our phlebotomist will arrive with a home sample collection kit at your doorstep. He is well-trained and certified to perform professional blood draws. 
• He will apply a band to one of your arms. This is to make veins visible.
• The phlebotomist will then insert a needle into the vein to collect the blood sample. The syringe will then be removed, and a bandage or cotton gauze will be applied to the puncture site to prevent excessive bleeding. This may also minimize the chance of infection. 
• The collected blood will be transferred into a vial or test tube and sent to the laboratory for analysis.

This is how the ANCA blood test is performed. The pain and bruises will disappear after a few days. If the symptoms don't go away after a short period, contact your healthcare provider immediately. 

What does the ANCA test report indicate?

The ANCA test report indicates positive or negative results. A normal ANCA level is 0.00–0.22 units/mL. Discuss your test results with your physician. 

• You likely don’t suffer from autoimmune vasculitis if the test results are negative. Your symptoms are not caused by autoimmune vasculitis. 
• If the test results are positive, you may have autoimmune vasculitis. This will help the healthcare provider diagnose which type of autoimmune vasculitis you have, and they can begin the treatment. 

What if the ANCA test report is positive?

A positive ANCA test report indicates that ANCAs, or autoimmune vasculitis, are found in your blood. The test also shows the types of ANCAs found. Your healthcare provider may also suggest additional tests, such as a biopsy or more bloodwork, to make an accurate diagnosis. 

Who should take the ANCA test?

When the doctor is unsure whether an individual has Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, he or she may be recommended for an ANCA blood test. Besides, if someone has symptoms suggestive of autoimmune vasculitis, such as fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, or joint pains, they may be recommended for an ANCA blood test. 

A healthcare professional may also ask for a test if someone develops symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as 

• Abdominal (belly) pain
• Diarrhea
• Weight Loss
• Blood in the stool (poop)
• Fever

Consult your doubts or concerns with your doctor regarding the test to get accurate results. 

What are the risk factors associated with the ANCA test?

The ANCA blood test involves minimal or no risk. Inserting a needle into the vein may make you feel a little sting, cause slight pain, or cause bruising. However, most symptoms go away quickly. 

If the pain or bruise doesn't vanish, your healthcare provider should evaluate it.

What are the common symptoms related to the test?

The symptoms related to autoimmune vasculitis may develop slowly or quickly, and they can be mild to severe. General symptoms that may need an ANCA test include: 

• Fatigue
• Aches and pains
• Appetite Loss
• Weight Loss
• Fever
• Abdominal pain
• Vision or hearing loss
• Skin rashes or sores 
• Blood in stool
• Foamy urine
• Diarrhea 

The ANCA test helps determine if your treatment for autoimmune vasculitis is working. And if symptoms come back after treatment, which is called a relapse.

What conditions can the ANCA test diagnose?

The ANCA test is primarily used to help diagnose and monitor autoimmune disorders. Here are some of the key conditions that the ANCA test can help diagnose: 

• Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA): Previously known as Wegener’s disease, it predominantly affects the blood vessels in the lungs but may also affect the nose, windpipe, or kidneys. 
• Microscopic Polyangiitis (MPA): This autoimmune disorder can affect the skin, joints, lungs, kidneys, and nerves. 
• Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), also known as Churg Strauss syndrome, affects blood vessels in the lungs and/or sinuses. This autoimmune disorder may also affect the skin, heart, stomach, intestines, and nervous system. The most common trigger is asthma. 

Can an ANCA test be false-positive or false-negative?

Though a false-positive or false-negative ANCA test result is relatively uncommon, 

A false-positive result indicates: 

• Bacterial or viral infections. 
• Medications can induce the production of ANCA.
• Other autoimmune diseases, like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), can spike ANCA levels.

A false-negative result indicates: 

• No low levels of ANCA are detected in the early stages of diseases.
• Technical error in sample handling
• Non-ANCA Vasculitis may not involve ANCA, leading to a negative result despite the presence of the disease.

Book the ANCA test at an affordable ANCA test price from Redcliffe Labs!

When it is a matter of health, no delay should be made. Hence, if your healthcare provider has suggested an ANCA blood test, you can schedule the test now from Redcliffe Labs. Get tested with us at a highly affordable ANCA test price of INR 2024. 

Redcliffe Labs offers a home blood sample collection service. Express slots are also available to pick up your sample within 45 minutes and receive accurate reports within a given time. Book the ANCA test now! 

ANCA Test Cost in Different Cities - Redcliffe Labs

Note: We also offer ANCA Test PAN India. Please call the number 8988988787 to check the availability of our services in your area.