PR3 by EIAc-ANCA Serum Test

The PR3-c-ANCA serum test (also known as Proteinase 3 - Cytoplasmic Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody test) is a laboratory test used to detect the presence of specific antibodies in the blood that target a protein called proteinase 3 (PR3).

The PR3-c-ANCA Serum Test is typically done for the following reasons:

1. To diagnose certain autoimmune diseases: The test is often used to help diagnose autoimmune diseases such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA).
2. To monitor disease activity: The test can also be used to monitor disease activity in patients with GPA or MPA, as changes in PR3-c-ANCA levels can be an indicator of disease activity.
3. To assess response to treatment: The test can be useful in evaluating the effectiveness of treatment in patients with GPA or MPA. A decrease in PR3-c-ANCA levels may indicate that the treatment is working.
4. To rule out other conditions: The test may be used to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as infections or other autoimmune diseases.
5. To predict disease progression: Elevated levels of PR3-c-ANCA may be associated with a higher risk of disease progression in patients with GPA or MPA. Testing for PR3-c-ANCA levels can help identify patients who may require closer monitoring or more aggressive treatment.

The following symptoms may indicate a need for the PR3-c-ANCA serum test:

• Persistent respiratory symptoms, such as coughing, difficulty breathing, and chest pain
• Nasal or sinus problems, including chronic sinusitis and nosebleeds
• Skin rashes, sores, or lumps
• Joint pain or swelling
• Fatigue, fever, and weight loss

Additionally, if a person has been diagnosed with GPA or another autoimmune disease that affects the blood vessels, their healthcare provider may order the PR3-c-ANCA serum test to monitor disease activity or to check the effectiveness of treatment.

Abnormal results of PR3-ANCA test may indicate the presence of certain autoimmune diseases, particularly granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), formerly known as Wegener's granulomatosis. A positive PR3-c-ANCA serum test result indicates the presence of antibodies against PR3, which can suggest the presence of one of the autoimmune diseases.

During the PR3-ANCA test, a healthcare professional will clean the area on your arm where the blood will be drawn and use a needle to collect a sample of your blood. You may feel a slight pinch or prick when the needle is inserted, but the procedure is generally quick and relatively painless.

No special precautions are required before sample collection. It is always a good idea to inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you are taking, as they may affect the test results. Always follow any instructions given by your doctor or healthcare provider.

Some other laboratory tests that may be ordered along with the PR3-c-ANCA serum test include:

1. Complete blood count (CBC): Anemia or other blood cell abnormalities may suggest an underlying autoimmune disorder.
2. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): This test measures how quickly red blood cells settle to the bottom of a test tube, which can indicate the presence of inflammation in the body.
3. C-reactive protein (CRP): Elevated levels of CRP may suggest an underlying autoimmune disease.
4. Urinalysis: This test evaluates the urine for the presence of blood, protein, or other abnormalities that may suggest kidney involvement in an autoimmune disease.
5. Creatinine level: Elevated creatinine levels may indicate kidney damage.
6. ANA (antinuclear antibody) test: This test measures the presence of antibodies against the body's own cell nuclei, which can be present in certain autoimmune diseases.
7. Anti-GBM (glomerular basement membrane) antibody test: Elevated levels of anti-GBM antibodies may indicate the presence of a rare autoimmune disease called Goodpasture syndrome.

The PR3-c-ANCA Serum test, also known as:

1. Proteinase 3-Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody test
2. PR3-ANCA test
3. c-ANCA with PR3 test