Anti - Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA) by IFA

The Anti - Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA) by IFA is a qualitative blood test tailored to detect specific antibodies targeting cytoplasmic proteins within human neutrophils. These antibodies play a critical role in autoimmune vasculitis, a group of autoimmune disorders that causes inflammation (swelling) of the blood vessels such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). The test uses the Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) method to detect the presence of ANCA. This test is typically suggested when patients present with symptoms suggestive of vasculitis, such as persistent fever, weight loss, fatigue, joint pain, skin rash, and organ involvement (e.g., kidney or lung). The profile includes the MPO (p-ANCA) and PR3 (c-ANCA) tests that identify specific types of ANCA associated with different vasculitis types and a less specific Atypical ANCA test for detailed diagnosis of vasculitis. Early detection using the Anti - Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA) by IFA test facilitates prompt treatment and helps prevent complications in autoimmune vasculitis.