ANCA Profile, ELISA Test
About ANCA Profile, ELISA Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | ANCA Antibody Test, c-ANCA Test, p-ANCA Test, Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies Test, Cytoplasmic Neutrophil Antibodies Test, Anti-MPO Test, Anti-PR3 Test, Vasculitis Antibody Test |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum) |
| Fasting Required | No, fasting is generally not required unless advised by your doctor |
| Report Time | 3 to 5 days |
| Recommended For | Adults of all ages (male and female) with suspected autoimmune vasculitis or inflammatory bowel disease |
| Price | Starting at ₹2,000 |
What Is an ANCA Profile, ELISA Test?
The ANCA Profile, ELISA test is a blood test that checks for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) in the bloodstream. These are proteins produced by the immune system that mistakenly attack neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that helps fight infections.
Also known as the anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies test, ANCA antibodies test, or c-ANCA test, it is typically ordered when a doctor suspects an autoimmune or inflammatory condition affecting blood vessels. A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in the arm for this test.
What Does an ANCA Profile, ELISA Test Measure?
The ANCA ELISA test detects two main types of autoantibodies, each targeting a different protein inside white blood cells. The ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) method identifies these specific targets and measures their levels in the blood.
The following parameters are included in the test:
| Parameter | What It Targets | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| c-ANCA (PR3-ANCA) | Proteinase 3 (PR3), an enzyme in the cytoplasm of neutrophils | Strongly associated with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) |
| p-ANCA (MPO-ANCA) | Myeloperoxidase (MPO), an enzyme in white blood cells | Associated with microscopic polyangiitis and related conditions |
| ANCA by IIF (Indirect Immunofluorescence) | Overall ANCA pattern in white blood cells | Helps confirm the presence and pattern of ANCA |
Why Is an ANCA Profile, ELISA Test Done?
Doctors order this test when symptoms suggest that the immune system may be attacking blood vessels or causing inflammation in the body.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to request a vasculitis antibody test:
- Persistent fever or feeling generally unwell without a clear cause
- Unexplained fatigue, weight loss, or loss of appetite
- Skin rashes or discoloured patches of skin
- Shortness of breath, cough, or coughing up blood
- Pain in muscles, joints, eyes, nose, sinuses, or chest
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The c-ANCA test or the p-ANCA test can help identify several conditions, including:
- Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), previously known as Wegener's disease, which affects blood vessels in the lungs, sinuses, nose, windpipe, or kidneys
- Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), which can affect the lungs, kidneys, nerves, skin, and joints
- Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), previously called Churg-Strauss syndrome, often linked to asthma and high eosinophil levels
- Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease (inflammatory bowel diseases), particularly ulcerative colitis
- Drug-induced vasculitis and renal-limited vasculitis (inflammation affecting only the kidneys)
- Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (rapid kidney inflammation leading to kidney failure)
ANCA Profile, ELISA Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
This cytoplasmic neutrophil antibody test is also used to monitor treatment response in people diagnosed with autoimmune vasculitis. If ANCA antibodies reappear after a period of treatment, this may signal a relapse, helping doctors adjust the care plan. For patients with GPA, PR3-ANCA levels may decline with successful treatment, while MPO-ANCA levels are monitored to gauge disease activity over time.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test unless advised by your doctor.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for the ANCA test. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment. If your doctor has requested additional tests at the same time, check separately whether any of those require fasting.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind before your test:
- Tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements you are currently taking
- Specifically mention drugs such as propylthiouracil, methimazole, carbimazole, hydralazine, and minocycline, as these are linked to ANCA-associated changes
- Wear loose-fitting clothing for easy access to your arm
- Stay well hydrated before the appointment
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what you can expect during sample collection:
- A trained phlebotomist will clean a small area on your arm and locate a suitable vein.
- A fine needle is used to draw a small amount of blood into a test tube or vial.
- You may feel a brief sting when the needle is inserted. The process usually takes under five minutes.
- A small bandage is placed over the site once the sample is collected.
- The sample is labelled and sent to a specialist laboratory for ELISA analysis.
- Because this test requires specialised processing, results typically take 3 to 5 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may influence the reliability of your results:
- A lipemic (fatty) blood sample or haemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells) in the sample
- Bacterial contamination of the blood sample
- Certain medications, including those listed above
- Recent infections, which can temporarily affect antibody levels
- Pre-existing conditions such as type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, or rheumatoid arthritis
Understanding Your ANCA Profile, ELISA Test Results
Results from the ANCA profile test are interpreted by a doctor alongside your symptoms, medical history, and other investigations. The table below shows general reference values used in reporting.
| Parameter | Normal Result | Raised or Positive |
|---|---|---|
| c-ANCA (PR3) | Negative or less than 1.0 (Index or U/mL) | Above 1.0 or positive |
| p-ANCA (MPO) | Negative or less than 1.0 (Index or U/mL) | Above 1.0 or positive |
| ANCA by IIF | Negative | Positive (titre reported) |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain circumstances can affect how results are interpreted:
- Some medicines, including propylthiouracil, hydralales, and minocycline, can trigger a drug-induced form of ANCA-associated vasculitis. This often presents with fatigue, joint pain, and skin rash rather than organ-specific diseases.
- Levamisole, a substance sometimes found in contaminated cocaine, can raise both anti-MPO and anti-PR3 antibody levels.
- People with type 1 diabetes have a higher rate of ANCA positivity compared with healthy individuals, which may affect how a positive result is interpreted.
- p-ANCA directed at antigens other than MPO may be seen in inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune liver disease, and certain parasitic infections.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general wellness steps may support your overall immune health:
- Avoid self-medicating with drugs known to affect ANCA levels; always use medicines under medical supervision.
- Report new or worsening symptoms, such as unexplained fatigue, fever, or joint pain, to your doctor promptly.
- If you have a known autoimmune condition, attend all scheduled follow-up appointments so your doctor can track any changes over time.
Lupin Diagnostics ANCA Profile, ELISA Test Price and Home Collection
The ANCA test price starts at approximately ₹2,000, with home sample collection available across cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹2,000 |
| Bangalore | ₹2,000 |
| Hyderabad | ₹2,000 |
| Chennai | ₹2,000 |
| Kolkata | ₹2,000 |
| Pune | ₹2,000 |
| Bhopal | ₹2,000 |
| Indore | ₹2,000 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website
- Choose your city and preferred time slot
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home sample collection for the ANCA profile test across multiple cities, so you can have your blood drawn at a time and place that suits you. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced pathology teams. Your digital report is delivered securely via email or WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
c-ANCA targets a protein called proteinase 3 (PR3), while p-ANCA targets myeloperoxidase (MPO). Both are enzymes found inside white blood cells. The type of antibody detected helps your doctor identify which form of vasculitis may be present.
No fasting is required for the ANCA test. You can eat and drink as normal before your appointment. If your doctor has ordered other tests at the same time, ask whether any of those have specific preparation requirements.
Yes, certain medicines are linked to raised ANCA levels or drug-induced vasculitis. These include propylthiouracil, methimazole, carbimazole, hydralazine, and minocycline. Always give your doctor a full list of your current medicines before the test.
A positive result suggests the immune system may be producing antibodies against its own white blood cells, which can be a sign of autoimmune vasculitis. Your doctor will review the result alongside your symptoms and may request further tests, such as a biopsy, before reaching a diagnosis.
Yes, the anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody test is used to track treatment response in people with autoimmune vasculitis. If antibody levels fall after treatment begins, this generally indicates a positive response. If they return after a period of normal results, it may indicate a relapse.
No. A negative result for PR3-ANCA, MPO-ANCA, and ANCA by IIF (microscopy) does not completely exclude ANCA-associated vasculitis. If your doctor still suspects vasculitis based on your symptoms, further investigations may be needed.
Because the ANCA Profile, ELISA test requires specialist laboratory analysis, results typically take 3 to 5 days. Lupin Diagnostics will deliver your report digitally once it is ready.
ANCA Profile, ELISA Test
