National recommendations of the Working group for laboratory diagnostics of autoimmune diseases of the Croatian Society of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine: Assessment of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)

The family of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) includes autoantibodies targeting proteins within the primary granules of neutrophils and lysosomes of monocytes. So far, proteinase 3 (PR3) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) are considered clinically relevant ANCA specificities. National recommendations for the assessment of ANCA are the outcome of the survey done by the Working group (WG) for laboratory diagnostics of autoimmune diseases of the Croatian Society of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CSMBLM), where the diversity in the performance of ANCA testing and reporting among the laboratories in Croatia was observed. This document contains recommendations concerning the indications for ANCA testing, preanalytical, analytical and postanalytical issues, including rational algorithm and quality control assurance. The recommendations are based on the International consensus on ANCA testing and reporting as well as other relevant literature in order to help to harmonize ANCA testing. The aim of these recommendations is to improve and harmonize ANCA testing among laboratories in Croatia.