Ancaabtitrfldif
A blood test that detects antibodies associated with certain types of blood vessel inflammation.
{"ANCA test helps diagnose autoimmune diseases that cause blood vessel inflammation","The test uses immunofluorescence to detect specific antibodies (p-ANCA and c-ANCA) in blood","Results are reported as titers, indicating the concentration of antibodies present"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 63292-7
- Short code
- ANCA-T-BF
- Synonyms
- ANCA Ab Titr Fld IF
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof container for body fluid; red-top or serum separator tube (SST) for serum. For body fluid specimens, use a sterile screw-cap plastic tube or plain red-top tube without anticoagulants, as anticoagulants may interfere with immunofluorescence staining.
- 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
- indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) using ethanol- and formaldehyde-fixed neutrophil substrates for detection and titration of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA), including c-ANCA and p-ANCA patterns
- CPT
- 86256
- SNOMED
- 39579001
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 1 mL of body fluid or serum. For body fluid, 2-5 mL is preferred when available (e.g., pleural, peritoneal, cerebrospinal, or synovial fluid) to allow for adequate cell preparation and substrate staining.
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4 hours. Refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 48 hours. Frozen (-20°C or below): up to 30 days. For prolonged storage, aliquot and freeze at -20°C or lower. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which may degrade immunoglobulin integrity and reduce fluorescence signal.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- 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 attack neutrophils (a type of white blood cell). These antibodies are associated with autoimmune diseases that cause inflammation of blood vessels, known as vasculitis.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare provider will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed using immunofluorescence techniques. The test looks for two main types of ANCA: c-ANCA (cytoplasmic) and p-ANCA (perinuclear). Results are reported as titers, which indicate the concentration of antibodies in your blood.
Why might I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of vasculitis, such as fever, fatigue, weight loss, skin rashes, joint pain, or problems with your kidneys. It helps distinguish between different types of vasculitis and monitor disease activity during treatment.
How to prepare for the test?
No special preparation is typically needed for this blood test. You may be asked to fast for a short time before the test if other blood tests are being done at the same time. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions.
Reference range
Negative: <1:10 (titer). Positive results are reported with the highest dilution showing detectable fluorescence, including the ANCA staining pattern (c-ANCA, p-ANCA, atypical). Titers ≥1:20 are generally considered clinically significant and should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and antigen-specific ELISA results (PR3-ANCA, MPO-ANCA).N/A
No special patient preparation is required. Fasting is not necessary. Patients should be informed that this test detects autoantibodies associated with small-vessel vasculitis and is often performed alongside antigen-specific assays (anti-PR3, anti-MPO) for comprehensive evaluation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive ANCA test mean I have vasculitis?
How long does it take to get results?
Will I need to repeat this test?
Sources
- 1Mayo Clinic - ANCA testSource
- 2
- 3
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