🔬 What is this Test?
The ANCA - Titre Test measures the level (titre) of Anti-Neutrophilic Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA) in the blood. This test helps diagnose and monitor autoimmune vasculitis disorders, such as Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA) and Microscopic Polyangiitis (MPA).
📊 Normal Ranges:
✅ Negative: No detectable ANCA (<1:20 dilution)
⚠️ Low Positive: Borderline, may require further testing (1:40 to 1:80 dilution)
❌ High Positive: Suggestive of active autoimmune disease (>1:160 dilution)
🎯 Purpose of the Test:
✔️ Diagnose autoimmune vasculitis disorders
✔️ Determine ANCA levels and monitor disease activity
✔️ Differentiate between c-ANCA (PR3-ANCA) and p-ANCA (MPO-ANCA)
✔️ Assess treatment response and relapse risk
🩺 Types of ANCA Patterns and Their Significance:
🔹 c-ANCA (Cytoplasmic ANCA - PR3 Antibody) → Associated with Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA)
🔹 p-ANCA (Perinuclear ANCA - MPO Antibody) → Associated with Microscopic Polyangiitis (MPA) and Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA)
⚠️ Why Might You Need This Test?
Unexplained chronic sinusitis or respiratory symptoms
Kidney dysfunction with blood in urine (hematuria)
Skin ulcers or unusual rashes
Inflammatory symptoms like fever, fatigue, and weight loss
Neuropathy or unexplained nerve pain
📌 Understanding the Results:
Negative ANCA Titre: No significant autoimmune vasculitis detected
Low-Positive ANCA Titre: May require additional testing for confirmation
High-Positive ANCA Titre: Suggests active disease, requiring clinical correlation
🔬 Additional Notes:
Higher titres may indicate more severe disease activity
A decreasing titre suggests effective treatment response
Results should always be interpreted alongside clinical symptoms and additional diagnostic tests