Serum/plasma concentration of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) by immunoassay (qualitative probe)
This blood test checks for certain antibodies that may indicate an autoimmune condition affecting your blood vessels.
["ANCA antibodies can signal inflammation in vessels, often linked to serious conditions like vasculitis."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 80349-4
- Short code
- EAEC pAA plas aggR+aatA St NAA+non-prb
- Synonyms
- EAEC pAA plas aggR+aatA St NAA+non-prb
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- stool
- Container
- Clean container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- non-probe-amp-tar
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302774002
- Specimen volume
- 5 g
- Stability
- Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is ANCA Testing Used For?
Doctors use ANCA testing to help diagnose conditions where the immune system attacks blood vessels, such as Wegener’s granulomatosis or microscopic polyangiitis. It may also be used to monitor treatment progress or rule out these conditions in patients with unexplained symptoms like joint pain, skin rashes, or kidney issues.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is then tested in a lab using an immunoassay method to detect specific antibodies (ANCA) in your serum or plasma.
What Might Trigger This Test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like persistent fever, unexplained weight loss, skin ulcers, kidney problems, or unexplained blood vessel inflammation. It’s also sometimes used in patients with chronic lung diseases or unexplained joint/muscle pain.
What Are Common Symptoms Linked to ANCA?
People with ANCA-related conditions may experience symptoms like persistent cough, blood in sputum, skin rashes, kidney failure, or unexplained joint pain. However, symptoms can vary widely and may not appear until the disease progresses.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Positive results suggest a higher likelihood of vasculitis or related autoimmune conditions. While ANCA testing is not definitive on its own, it helps guide further testing and treatment decisions. False positives can occur, so doctors may confirm results with additional tests or clinical correlation.
Short name
ANCA Screening Test
Frequently asked questions
Why might my doctor recommend this test?
A positive result indicates the presence of ANCA antibodies, which may signal an autoimmune condition affecting blood vessels. However, this alone doesn’t confirm a diagnosis—your doctor will consider symptoms, medical history, and other tests for a full evaluation.
Yes, ANCA levels can fluctuate depending on your health status, treatment, or underlying disease activity. Regular follow-up testing may be needed to monitor changes, especially if you’re being treated for a related condition.
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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