MPO ANCA Immunoflourescent method

This test is used to detect the presence of antinuclear antibodies using the immunofluorescence method. This method uses fluorescent dyes to visualize the antibodies present in the given sample.

What are ANCA antibodies?

Antibodies are proteins produced by our immune system to fight against foreign substances such as bacterias and viruses. Antinuclear antibodies are also produced by our immune system that attacks and destroys the body’s normal tissues. They target the nucleus of the cells and hence called antinuclear antibodies. The presence of high levels of ANA may indicate an autoimmune disease.

What is the immunofluorescence method?

This is a type of evaluating the presence of antibodies with the help of fluorescent dye. In this method, the target antibodies/antigens to be detected are labeled with fluorescent dyes and are visualized with the help of specific visualizing techniques.

Why is this test recommended?

This test is one among many primary tests performed to detect or diagnose the presence of autoimmune disorders. Your doctor may ask you to perform this test if he suspects autoimmune disorders such as Systemic lupus erythematosus (a chronic inflammatory disease that affects many parts of the body), Scleroderma (a rare disease that causes hard and thickened skin, joints etc), Rheumatoid arthritis (a condition that affects the joints), Churg Strauss Syndrome, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, Sjogren’s syndrome (a condition affecting the body’s moisture making glands resulting in dry eyes and dry mouth), Juvenile arthritis (joint disorder in children) etc.

You may also be advised to perform this test if you experience symptoms of autoimmune disorders such as fatigue, fever, muscle pain, red butterfly-shaped rash, pain, and swelling in joints, etc. This test helps to detect the presence of an autoimmune disorder but does not diagnose the exact disease. Your doctor may ask you to perform a few more additional tests to identify the type of autoimmune disorder.

If the ANA test results are positive it indicates the presence of antinuclear antibodies in the blood. A positive result can be seen in individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus, or with any type of autoimmune disorders. A positive ANA test result does not clearly confirm that you have an autoimmune disorder.

Your doctor may ask you to perform a few more additional tests to diagnose an autoimmune disorder. Many healthy individuals may also have antinuclear antibodies in their blood. Women older than 65 may also show positive ANA test without any disease. Some infections, autoimmune hepatitis, cancer or use of certain medicines may give a positive ANA test. Based on your test results, your doctor may advise appropriate medical treatments or further diagnostic tests.