Also Known As
ANCA Antibodies, Anticytoplasmic Autoantibodies
The Purpose of an Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody Blood Test
The ANCA (Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies) profile blood test helps diagnose and monitor autoimmune conditions, particularly those affecting the blood vessels and causing inflammation. This test is used to identify specific antibodies associated with diseases such as colitis, Crohn’s disease, and vasculitis. With colitis, the colon is inflamed and bowel movements can be uncomfortable or painful. Crohn’s disease causes similar inflammation throughout the digestive tract, often in the small intestine. And because vasculitis inflames blood vessels, it can occur anywhere in the body.
What Does the ANCA Test Measure?
ANCA gets its name because neutrophils are the white blood cells mistakenly attacked by your immune system. ANCA antibodies are produced by your body in response to this autoimmune condition, and those are the antibodies detected by the antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody blood test.
Who Should Take an ANCA Blood Test?
The ANCA lab test would help you get a diagnosis if you are suffering symptoms of vasculitis, such as unexplained weight loss, fatigue, headache, body aches, and fever. The test can also help differentiate between Crohn’s disease and colitis, which both have similar symptoms such as stomach pain, weight loss, frequent diarrhea, or other changes in the stool.
ANCA Lab Test Preparation
You don’t need to follow any special instructions before you give your blood sample for the ANCA test.
ANCA Profile Blood Test Results
A positive result means you have ANCA antibodies associated with one of these autoimmune conditions; a negative result means you are free of antibodies. If you have positive results and your doctor suspects you have Crohn’s or colitis, you may get more testing to help confirm your diagnosis. A Personalabs board-certified physician can review your results with you and answer any questions during a telehealth appointment.
Where Can I Get ANCA Blood Tests Near Me?
Shop online at Personalabs for an ANCA blood test, which is part of our comprehensive autoimmune disorder test collection. And when you purchase a test from us, you can complete your blood work at one of our 4,000-plus Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp partner locations across the country. Here’s how to get started once you’ve ensured you don’t need a doctor’s OK for testing (which depends on the state where you live):
Step 1: Shop for the test you want, then download the lab order that comes with it. You’ll need to bring it to the lab when it’s time for you to get tested.
Step 2: Navigate the lab locator on our website to find the closest facility to you and schedule your blood test appointment.
Step 3: Arrive at the lab for your appointment, bringing the test order with you in order to complete your blood draw.
Step 4: Find your results in your confidential Personalabs account. They are usually ready within 2 to 10 business days after your test date, but contact us if you need your results report by a specific date, and we will work with your lab to meet your request.
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