ANCA-c (anti-PR3): price and preparation | IntroLab Belgrade
Južni bulevar 116, Vračar
+381 11 347 3652
EN
IntroLab, laboratory diagnostics
Book a slot

ANCA-c (anti-PR3)

Price1.800 RSD
Result inup to 4 days
SampleVenous Blood
ANCA-c (anti-PR3) test, IntroLab laboratory Belgrade Written byDr. Igor Švonja, MD

Published: Updated:

The ANCA-c (anti-PR3) test, available at IntroLab Belgrade, is a specialized diagnostic test used primarily in rheumatology and nephrology to detect specific autoantibodies in the blood. These autoantibodies, known as antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies of the cytoplasmic type (c-ANCA), are especially associated with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly known as Wegener’s granulomatosis).

What are cANCA (anti-PR3)?

cANCA, or anti-PR3 antibodies, are a type of autoantibody—antibodies that the immune system mistakenly produces against the body’s own cells and tissues. These antibodies specifically target proteinase 3 (PR3), an enzyme found in neutrophil leukocytes, a type of white blood cell. The presence of these antibodies can indicate certain autoimmune diseases.

When and who should get tested for cANCA (anti-PR3)?

Testing for cANCA (anti-PR3) antibodies is important for individuals suspected of having granulomatosis with polyangiitis or other vasculitic diseases. The test is also used to monitor the progression of these diseases and the effectiveness of their treatment.

This test is recommended if there are symptoms suggestive of vasculitic disease, including:

  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Persistent fatigue
  • Fever
  • Pain
  • Joint swelling
  • Nosebleeds
  • Red spots on the skin
  • Coughing, with or without blood
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain

How is the ANCA-c (anti-PR3) test performed?

The test is conducted using a blood sample. Blood is usually drawn from a vein in the arm, and then it is analyzed in the laboratory to detect the presence of cANCA (anti-PR3) antibodies.

How are the results interpreted?

The results are interpreted based on standardized reference values for this test. Elevated levels of ANCA-c (anti-PR3) suggest a potential presence of autoimmune diseases, while lower levels typically do not require further attention unless they contradict the patient’s clinical presentation.

Specifics and subtypes of ANCA antibodies

There are several types of ANCA antibodies, including cANCA (anti-PR3) and pANCA (anti-MPO). Each type is associated with specific indications and diseases. The presence of these antibodies is not definitive proof of disease. A negative test does not rule out the disease, and a positive test does not confirm it. Test results should be interpreted in the context of the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and other diagnostic tests.

Sample and preparation: ANCA-c (anti-PR3)

Sample
Venous Blood
Sampling
Blood Draw
Result in
up to 4 days
Preparation
No special preparation is needed. However, avoid having the test done immediately after eating.
Category
Immunology

Frequently asked questions

What is the ANCA test, and what is the difference between c-ANCA and p-ANCA?

The ANCA test detects antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, autoantibodies directed against enzymes in neutrophil white blood cells. There are two main types: c-ANCA, directed against proteinase 3 (anti-PR3), and p-ANCA, directed against myeloperoxidase (anti-MPO). c-ANCA is especially associated with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly Wegener’s granulomatosis), while both types have their own indications in vasculitis. At IntroLab laboratory, ANCA-c (anti-PR3) and ANCA-p (anti-MPO) are performed as separate tests, each costing 1,800 RSD.

How much does the c-ANCA test cost, and is any preparation needed?

The ANCA-c (anti-PR3) test at IntroLab laboratory costs 1,800 RSD, and the result is ready in up to 4 days. Blood is drawn from a vein in the arm. No special preparation is needed, but the test should not be done immediately after eating. Doctors usually order it when vasculitis is suspected, with symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, fever, nosebleeds, coughing with or without blood and joint swelling, and it is also used to monitor the course of the disease and treatment.

What does a positive c-ANCA result mean?

A positive, or elevated, c-ANCA (anti-PR3) result may point to an autoimmune disease, primarily granulomatosis with polyangiitis or another form of vasculitis. However, the presence of these antibodies is not definitive proof of disease: a positive test does not confirm it, and a negative test does not rule it out. That is why an ANCA-c result from IntroLab laboratory is interpreted together with symptoms, medical history and other diagnostic tests, by a doctor, usually a rheumatologist or nephrologist.

Immunology

Related tests and panels

All tests: Immunology
1.800 RSD Call Book