Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies: Perinuclear Staining (ANCA-P) LIS Code: ANCA-P

What Are Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA)?

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) are autoantibodies that target proteins within neutrophils, a type of white blood cell. ANCA testing is divided into two main types based on staining patterns:

cANCA (cytoplasmic pattern)

pANCA (perinuclear pattern)

These antibodies play a crucial role in the diagnosis of autoimmune vasculitis.

Role of ANCA in Diagnosing Autoimmune Vasculitis

ANCA testing is primarily used to aid in the diagnosis of systemic autoimmune vasculitis, a group of disorders characterised by inflammation of the blood vessels. These conditions can affect various organs and tissues throughout the body.

Conditions Commonly Associated with ANCA

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) – formerly known as Wegener’s granulomatosis

Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA)

Pauci-immune necrotising glomerulonephritis

Other organ-limited vasculitic variants

These conditions may cause a wide range of symptoms depending on the organs involved, including the kidneys, lungs, and sinuses.

When ANCA Testing Is Recommended

Unexplained kidney inflammation or failure

Persistent respiratory symptoms with sinus or lung involvement

Systemic symptoms such as fatigue, fever, or weight loss

Suspected autoimmune vasculitis based on clinical presentation

ANCA (cANCA and pANCA) Testing in Slough and Surrounding Areas

Private blood testing for ANCA antibodies (cANCA and pANCA) is available in Slough, Windsor, Langley, Maidenhead, and surrounding Berkshire areas. If you are experiencing symptoms suggestive of autoimmune vasculitis or need evaluation for inflammatory kidney or lung conditions, local diagnostic services in Slough provide accurate ANCA testing to support early diagnosis and specialised care.