What is it used for?
An ANCA test is most often used to find out if you have a type of autoimmune vasculitis. There are different types of this disorder. They all cause inflammation and swelling of blood vessels, but each type affects different blood vessels and parts of the body. Types of autoimmune vasculitis include:
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), previously called Wegener's disease. It most often affects the lungs, kidneys, and sinuses.
Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). This disorder can affect several organs in the body, including the lungs, kidneys, nervous system, and skin.
Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), previously called Churg-Strauss syndrome. This disorder usually affects the skin and lungs. It often causes asthma.
Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN). This disorder most often affects the heart, kidneys, skin, and central nervous system.
An ANCA test may also be used to monitor treatment of these disorders.
