PR3 (c-ANCA)

Understanding PR3 (c-ANCA)

PR3 antibodies are formed when the immune system mistakenly attacks the PR3 enzyme, found inside neutrophils. These antibodies are also called c-ANCA (cytoplasmic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies) due to their staining pattern (diffuse, granular appearance of cytoplasm) during lab tests.

The PR3 (c-ANCA) test helps diagnose autoimmune diseases such as GPA and other forms of vasculitis, monitor disease activity, guide treatment decisions, and rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as i...

What does PR3 (c-ANCA) measure?

The PR3 (c-ANCA) test is a blood test that helps diagnose certain autoimmune diseases, such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), previously called Wegener's granulomatosis, and other forms of vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels). It helps measure the antibodies against a specific protein called proteinase 3 (PR3), which is found in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) that help fight off infections. It facilitates the prompt detection of these diseases and helps prevent organ damage by enabling time...