Ancaabmsmtser
A blood test that detects antibodies targeting white blood cells, helping diagnose certain autoimmune diseases affecting blood vessels.
{"Detects antibodies that mistakenly attack neutrophils (a type of white blood cell)","Mainly used to diagnose vasculitis and other autoimmune conditions","Results are reported as positive or negative, often with pattern interpretation (c-ANCA or p-ANCA)","Test requires a simple blood draw, no special preparation needed","Results help doctors distinguish between different types of vascular diseases"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 111291-1
- Short code
- ANCA
- Synonyms
- ANCA Ab Msmt Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) - Red top or Gold top (5 mL). Also acceptable: Plain red top tube.
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Critical range
- 0.5 N/A – —
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay or Chemiluminescent Immunoassay)
- CPT
- 86255
- SNOMED
- 269862007
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA) test is a blood test that detects antibodies in your blood that target neutrophils, a type of white blood cell. These antibodies are called autoantibodies because they mistakenly attack your own body's cells. The test helps doctors identify certain autoimmune disorders, particularly those that affect blood vessels (vasculitis).
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed for the presence of ANCAs. You do not need to fast or make any special preparations before this test.
What do the results mean?
ANCA test results can be reported in different ways: • **c-ANCA (cytoplasmic ANCA):** This pattern is commonly associated with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly Wegener's disease) • **p-ANCA (perinuclear ANCA):** This pattern is often seen in microscopic polyangiitis, ulcerative colitis, and other conditions A positive result indicates the presence of these antibodies, but your doctor will interpret the results along with your symptoms and other test findings to make a diagnosis.
Reference range
Negative: <1:20 titer or <20 U/mL (varies by assay method). Positive results indicate presence of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies. Patterns include c-ANCA (PR3-ANCA) and p-ANCA (MPO-ANCA).N/A
No special preparation required. Patient does not need to fast. Recent immunosuppressive therapy may affect antibody titers; document medications on requisition.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need this test?
Is the test painful?
Do I need to fast before the test?
How long does it take to get results?
What happens if my result is positive?
Sources
- 1
- 2
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy