ANCA testing

ANCA testing detects specific antibodies called antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies in the blood, which can indicate certain autoimmune conditions that cause inflammation in blood vessels, known as vasculitis. These antibodies mistakenly target the body's own neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) and contribute to vessel damage. The test involves analyzing a blood sample under a microscope to identify the presence and pattern of these antibodies, assisting healthcare providers in diagnosing and managing diseases like granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis.