Anti Neutrophilic Cytoplasmic Antibody - P

This test determines the presence of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA-P) in the body responsible for causing autoimmune vasculitis. ANCA-P attack proteinase-3 of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) leading to inflammation and swelling of the blood vessels.

Depending upon the organ affects there are different types of vasculitis conditions such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis(lungs, kidneys and sinuses), microscopic polyangiitis (lungs, kidneys, nervous system and skin), Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (skin and lungs) and Polyarteritis nodosa( heart, kidneys, skin and central nervous system)

Symptoms of the disease include fever, sinus pain, hearing loss, numbness and chest pain.

A positive test requires prompt treatment and medications.