What is the ANCA test for ?

[Jane and Nick]

Hello, hoping for a lay men's explanation for ANCA test and help understanding the results.

We have just got back for our weekly AZA testing and I was busy comparing all the last 3weeks of results. At the bottom of the report done in Singapore before we began AZA is a ANCA result. I didn't know we had the result or the test done, the result is
Anti-Myeloperoxidase 3
Anti-PR3 38

There is no explanation or ref range, so was wondering if anyone has any experience with this test, and what it is for and why it was done. Can't google as denied access at the moment !!!! Will look when I get home.

Today's results were good according to the doctor, although I see that his lymphocytes % is low at 20 should be 25-40 his Monocytes% is high at 16 should be 2-10 and his Monocytes #1.41 should be 0.20-0.80 these don't look to normal to me, but I am confused. Any help is appreciated.

Jane

 

[DanceMom]

From what I understand you are either ANCA+ or ANCA-, meaning you have the antibodies or you don't. The results can be helpful in diagnosing autoimmune disorders, particularly systemic vasculitis. Being ANCA+ does not mean you have an autoimmune disorder, just as being ANCA- does not mean you don't have an autoimmune disorder. It merely provides a piece to the puzzle and can help to direct further testing and eventually secure a diagnosis.

My daughter is ANCA- yet she may still have an autoimmune disorder (specifically IBD or PAN). Or, she may have an immune deficiency....or possibly immune deficiency with autoimmunity! I would recommend discussing the results with your physician. This stuff can be so complicated.

 

[Maya142]

We also did the ANCA test - from what I understood, my daughter's rheumatologist was doing it to make sure there wasn't anything else going on besides the Crohn's and arthritis.
I believe it is positive in vasculitis and some other autoimmune diseases but I don't know any more than that.
M was negative though so we didn't do any more tests.