ANCA test (c-ANCA and p-ANCA)
Quick answer: An ANCA test looks for antibodies against a type of white blood cell called neutrophils. The pattern is reported as c-ANCA or p-ANCA. Doctors usually order it when they suspect vasculitis, an inflammation of blood vessels, or sometimes in inflammatory bowel disease.
- SampleBlood
- TakesAbout 5 minutes
- Before the testNo special preparation is usually needed.
How the test is done
- 1You sit with your arm resting on a support
- 2A nurse cleans the skin and inserts a fine needle into a vein
- 3Blood is collected into a tube and the needle removed
- 4The lab looks at how your serum stains neutrophils under a microscope
What your results can mean
Reading your report
A positive result does not by itself confirm a disease, because some healthy people test positive; your doctor reads it with your symptoms and other tests.
If the result is outside the usual range
A c-ANCA pattern can be seen with granulomatosis with polyangiitis, and p-ANCA with microscopic polyangiitis, some kidney inflammation, inflammatory bowel disease or certain medicines. A negative result does not fully rule out vasculitis.
Who usually has this test
People with unexplained kidney inflammation, blood in the urine, coughing blood, long-standing sinus problems or a rash suggesting vasculitis.
Risks and aftercare
Press on the cotton for a minute to reduce bruising; no other aftercare is needed.
Names and options
Also called: ANCA, c-ANCA, p-ANCA, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody
Options
- c-ANCA
- p-ANCA
Listed by the hospital as
- C-ANCA, SERUM
- P-ANCA, SERUM
Questions about this test
What is the difference between c-ANCA and p-ANCA?
They are two staining patterns seen under the microscope. c-ANCA spreads through the cell and is usually linked to PR3 antibodies, while p-ANCA gathers around the nucleus and is usually linked to MPO antibodies.
Is a positive ANCA always vasculitis?
No. ANCA can also be positive with inflammatory bowel disease, some infections, autoimmune liver disease and some medicines. Doctors usually confirm with MPO and PR3 tests and sometimes a tissue biopsy.
Why is ANCA testing sometimes done urgently?
Some types of vasculitis can damage the kidneys or lungs quickly. A fast result helps doctors start treatment early when symptoms are severe.
Related tests
Tamara Hospital & IVF Centre, Rajajinagar
34/3, 10th Cross Road, opp. Vardhaka Sardar Patel School, 1st N Block, 2nd Stage, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru 560010
The hospital is open 24 hours. Call before you come to check the timing for your scan or sample collection.
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This page explains each test in general terms so you know what to expect. It is not medical advice: your doctor decides which tests you need and what your results mean. Reference ranges differ between laboratories. Updated 4 November 2026.