Ulta Lab Tests

Vasculitis

Vasculitis is inflammation of blood vessels that can reduce blood flow and damage organs. It ranges from large-artery disorders (e.g., giant cell arteritis) to small-vessel diseases (e.g., ANCA-associated vasculitis). Because symptoms can be vague—fatigue, fevers, weight loss—or organ-specific (skin, kidneys, lungs, nerves), labs play a key role in raising or lowering suspicion, identifying triggers, and monitoring safety once a diagnosis is made.

A proactive approach pairs inflammation markers (ESR/CRP) and organ-function tests (kidney, liver, urinalysis) with disease-specific serology—notably ANCA with PR3/MPO, complement levels (C3/C4), cryoglobulins, hepatitis B/C screening, and autoantibodies when lupus or other autoimmune disease is possible. Lab results guide next steps but do not replace imaging (e.g., vascular ultrasound/CTA/MRA), tissue biopsy, or urgent care when symptoms are severe.

Signs, Symptoms & Related Situations

  • Constitutional: fevers, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss

  • Skin & mucosa: palpable purpura, painful ulcers, livedo, nodules, oral/genital ulcers (Behçet)

  • Eyes & head (large-vessel): new severe headache, scalp tenderness, jaw claudication, vision changes (giant cell arteritis)

  • Lungs & airways: cough, wheeze, shortness of breath, coughing blood (pulmonary-renal syndrome)

  • Kidneys/urinary: dark or foamy urine, swelling, high blood pressure—possible blood/protein on urinalysis

  • Nerves & joints: asymmetric neuropathy (foot-drop), tingling, joint pain/stiffness

  • Clues to secondary causes: long-standing hepatitis C (cryoglobulinemia), hepatitis B (polyarteritis nodosa), systemic lupus erythematosus
    Seek urgent care for vision loss, severe shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing blood, or stroke-like symptoms.

Why These Tests Matter

What testing can do

  • Detect systemic inflammation and organ involvement early (ESR/CRP, creatinine/eGFR, urinalysis)

  • Support or narrow the differential diagnosis (ANCA PR3/MPO, complements, cryoglobulins, hepatitis B/C panels, ANA)

  • Provide baselines for monitoring disease activity and medication safety

What testing cannot do

  • Diagnose vasculitis by itself—confirmation often needs imaging and/or biopsy

  • Predict exact severity or flare risk from one number

  • Replace a clinician’s judgment in acute or vision-threatening situations

What These Tests Measure (at a glance)

  • ESR & CRP: general inflammation; helpful for trend monitoring. Caveat: non-specific—many illnesses can elevate.

  • CBC & CMP (creatinine/eGFR, AST/ALT, albumin): anemia of inflammation; kidney and liver status; medication safety.

  • Urinalysis ± Urine Albumin-Creatinine: looks for hematuria/proteinuria suggesting glomerulonephritis; RBC casts are a red flag (microscopy).

  • ANCA Testing (IFA with PR3- and MPO-ANCA by immunoassay): supports ANCA-associated vasculitis(GPA, MPA, EGPA). Caveat: false positives occur; correlate clinically.

  • Anti-GBM Antibodies: consider in pulmonary-renal syndromes; can overlap with ANCA.

  • Complement C3/C4: low C4 ± C3 suggests cryoglobulinemia or immune-complex disease (e.g., lupus vasculitis).

  • Cryoglobulins/Cryocrit: detect cold-precipitable proteins linked to vasculitis; warm collection/transport is essential.

  • Hepatitis Panels (HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HCV ± HCV RNA): screen for infections that drive PAN or mixed cryoglobulinemia.

  • Autoantibodies (ANA ± dsDNA, ENA): evaluate lupus or overlap autoimmune disease.

  • Serum IgA (± IgA-dominant testing): supports IgA-mediated small-vessel vasculitis (IgA vasculitis).

  • IgG4 (selected cases): helps separate IgG4-related disease (a mimic) from vasculitis.

Quick Build Guide

Clinical question Start with Add if needed
General “rule-in/rule-out” ESR/CRP • CBC • CMP • Urinalysis C3/C4 • ANA
Pulmonary-renal syndrome ESR/CRP • CMP/eGFR • Urinalysis ANCA (PR3/MPO) • Anti-GBM
Cutaneous purpura / neuropathy ESR/CRP • CBC/CMP • Urinalysis Cryoglobulins • HCV/HBV panels • C3/C4 • RF
Headache/jaw pain/visual sx (GCA concern) ESR/CRP • CBC (platelets) Coordinate urgent imaging/temporal artery assessment via clinician
SLE/immune-complex pattern ESR/CRP • CBC/CMP • Urinalysis ANA ± dsDNA • C3/C4
Atypical features/mimics Baseline set IgG4 • SPEP/IFE as directed

How the Testing Process Works

  1. Select the baseline set: ESR/CRP, CBC, CMP/eGFR, and urinalysis to screen inflammation and organ involvement.

  2. Add disease-specific markers: ANCA (PR3/MPO), complements, cryoglobulins, hepatitis panels, anti-GBM, ANA based on symptoms and history.

  3. Prepare for accuracy: follow collection notes (e.g., warm handling for cryoglobulins); list current medicines and supplements.

  4. Get your draw: visit a nearby patient service center; most results post within a few days.

  5. Plan next steps: review labs with your clinician; they may order imaging (ultrasound/CTA/MRA/PET) or biopsy for confirmation.

Interpreting Results (General Guidance)

  • High ESR/CRP + abnormal urinalysis (blood/protein) heightens concern for kidney-involving vasculitis.

  • PR3- or MPO-ANCA supports AAV but is not diagnostic alone; combine with clinical features and imaging/biopsy.

  • Low C4 (± C3) with positive cryoglobulins and HCV suggests mixed cryoglobulinemia.

  • Anti-GBM positive with lung/kidney findings warrants urgent clinician review.

  • Normal labs do not exclude vasculitis—some cases are patchy or early; trends and additional testing matter.
    Always interpret results with a qualified healthcare professional.

Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests

  • Baseline screening (most adults): ESR/CRP + CBC + CMP/eGFR + Urinalysis

  • Small-vessel/AAV concern: add ANCA (PR3/MPO) ± Anti-GBM if pulmonary-renal

  • Immune-complex pattern or lupus overlap: ANA ± dsDNA + C3/C4

  • Cryoglobulinemic features or neuropathy: Cryoglobulins + HCV/HBV panels + C3/C4

  • Large-vessel (GCA/Takayasu) concern: prioritize ESR/CRP, CBC and coordinate urgent imaging/clinical assessment

FAQs

Can blood tests diagnose vasculitis by themselves?
No. Labs support the diagnosis, but imaging and/or biopsy are often needed.

What is ANCA and why is it important?
ANCA are antibodies linked to small-vessel vasculitis. Positive PR3/MPO results support the diagnosis in the right clinical setting.

Why is a urinalysis part of vasculitis work-ups?
Blood or protein in urine may signal kidney inflammation, which changes urgency and follow-up.

Do I need hepatitis testing?
Yes, when features suggest cryoglobulinemia or PAN—hepatitis B/C can drive these conditions.

How are cryoglobulins collected?
The sample must be kept warm until processing; your collection site provides the correct handling.

If my ESR/CRP are normal, am I in the clear?
Not always. Some vasculitis types or early disease show normal markers; your clinician will consider the whole picture.

How often will I need labs once diagnosed?
Cadence depends on activity and treatment. Many patients have regular monitoring to track disease and medication safety.

Related Categories & Key Tests

  • Heart & Cardiovascular Tests Hub

  • Inflammation (hs-CRP) • Kidney Health • Autoimmune & Rheumatologic Tests • Hepatitis Panels • Blood Chemistry

  • Key Tests: ESR • CRP • CBC • CMP/eGFR • Urinalysis & Urine Albumin-Creatinine • ANCA (PR3/MPO) with IFA • Anti-GBM • C3/C4 • Cryoglobulins • HBV/HCV panels • ANA ± dsDNA • Serum IgA• IgG4 (select cases)

References

  • American College of Rheumatology/Vasculitis Foundation — Guidelines for the management of ANCA-associated vasculitis.
  • EULAR — Recommendations for large-vessel vasculitis (giant cell arteritis and Takayasu).
  • Chapel Hill Consensus Conference — Nomenclature of vasculitides.
  • KDIGO — Glomerulonephritis guidance (ANCA-associated and anti-GBM disease).
  • EASL — Guidance on hepatitis C and cryoglobulinemic vasculitis.
  • ACR — Guidance on the evaluation of suspected giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica.
  • Review articles on cryoglobulin testing pre-analytics and ANCA assay best practices.

Available Tests & Panels

Your Vasculitis Tests menu is pre-populated in the Ulta Lab Tests system. Start with ESR/CRP, CBC, CMP/eGFR, and urinalysis, then add ANCA (PR3/MPO), C3/C4, cryoglobulins, hepatitis panels, anti-GBM, and ANA based on your situation. Follow any special collection instructions (e.g., warm handling for cryoglobulins) and review results with your clinician to plan imaging, biopsy, and monitoring.

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The Cardiolipin IgA Antibody Test detects IgA antibodies to cardiolipin, helping assess clotting disorders, autoimmune disease, and vascular complications. High levels are often linked to antiphospholipid syndrome, pregnancy loss, or thrombotic conditions. This test provides insight into immune activity, coagulation balance, and systemic disorders influenced by antibody-mediated vascular dysfunction.

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The Cardiolipin IgG Antibody Test detects IgG antibodies to cardiolipin, often associated with autoimmune disease. Abnormal results may indicate antiphospholipid syndrome, blood clotting disorders, or pregnancy complications. This test provides insight into thrombotic risk, vascular health, systemic inflammation, and immune activity linked to autoimmune conditions and antibody-mediated disease.

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The Cardiolipin IgM Antibody Test measures IgM antibodies linked to antiphospholipid syndrome and autoimmune disorders. It helps evaluate unexplained blood clots, recurrent miscarriages, or abnormal clotting events. By detecting immune system activity against phospholipids, this test supports the assessment of vascular health, autoimmune activity, and risks related to thrombosis or systemic lupus erythematosus.

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The DNA (ds) Antibody Test detects double-stranded DNA antibodies, often linked to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other autoimmune diseases. High levels may indicate lupus activity, kidney involvement, or autoimmune flare-ups. Doctors order this test for patients with joint pain, fatigue, rash, or suspected connective tissue disease. Results provide critical insight for diagnosing lupus, monitoring disease progression, and guiding treatment decisions.

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The Myeloperoxidase (MPO) Antibody Test detects autoantibodies against MPO, often associated with ANCA-associated vasculitis, including microscopic polyangiitis and granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Elevated MPO antibodies may indicate inflammation of blood vessels, kidneys, or lungs. Physicians order this blood test to support diagnosis, monitor disease activity, and guide treatment decisions for autoimmune and systemic vasculitis disorders.

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Also Known As: Myeloperoxidase Antibody Test
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The Proteinase-3 Antibody Test detects antibodies against proteinase-3, a neutrophil enzyme associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis. Elevated levels are strongly linked to granulomatosis with polyangiitis and other autoimmune small vessel vasculitides. This test aids in diagnosis, assessing disease activity, and guiding management of systemic inflammatory and autoimmune vascular conditions.

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The Prothrombin (Factor II) 20210G→A Mutation Analysis Test detects a genetic variant in the prothrombin gene linked to increased risk of abnormal blood clotting. This mutation is associated with venous thromboembolism, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. Identifying this mutation helps evaluate inherited thrombophilia, supporting risk assessment, family studies, and management of clotting disorders.

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The Prothrombin Time with INR Test measures how long it takes blood to clot and calculates the international normalized ratio (INR) for accuracy. It is commonly used to monitor patients on blood-thinning medications like warfarin and to evaluate bleeding disorders, liver disease, or vitamin K deficiency. Doctors order this test to investigate easy bruising, frequent nosebleeds, or prolonged bleeding and to ensure safe and effective anticoagulant therapy.

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Also Known As: PT with INR Test
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The Prothrombin with INR and Partial Thromboplastin Times Test measures how long blood takes to clot by evaluating PT, INR, and aPTT. Abnormal results may indicate clotting disorders, liver disease, vitamin K deficiency, or risk of bleeding and thrombosis. Doctors use this test to monitor patients on blood thinners like warfarin, assess unexplained bleeding, and evaluate clotting function. It provides critical insight into coagulation and overall blood health.

Also Known As: PT with INR and aPTT Test, PT/INR and PTT Test
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The Renal Function Panel Test measures blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, sodium, potassium, chloride, carbon dioxide, calcium, phosphorus, albumin, and glucose to evaluate kidney health. Abnormal results may indicate kidney disease, dehydration, or metabolic imbalance. Doctors use this panel to monitor chronic kidney disease (CKD), assess electrolyte balance, and guide treatment decisions. It provides vital insight into renal function and overall metabolic health.

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Also Known As: Kidney Panel Test, Kidney Function Panel Test
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The Rheumatoid Factor (RF) Test measures RF antibodies in blood to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions. High RF levels may indicate rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, or other connective tissue diseases, though they can also appear in some infections. Doctors order this test to investigate joint pain, stiffness, or swelling. Results provide important insight into autoimmune activity, joint health, and inflammatory disease management.

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Also Known As: RF Test, Rheumatoid Arthritis Factor Test
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The Rheumatoid Factor IgA IgG IgM Antibodies Test measures multiple rheumatoid factor classes to aid in diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis and related autoimmune diseases. Elevated levels may suggest joint inflammation, Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus, or chronic infections. Doctors use this comprehensive test to confirm autoimmune involvement, investigate persistent pain or stiffness, and guide treatment planning by assessing disease activity across antibody types.

Also Known As: RF Antibodies Test, Rheumatoid Arthritis Factor Antibodies Test
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The Rheumatoid Factor IgA Antibody Test measures IgA-class rheumatoid factor, an autoantibody linked to rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. Elevated levels may indicate joint inflammation, Sjögren’s syndrome, or chronic infections. Doctors use this blood test alongside other markers to confirm diagnosis, assess disease activity, and guide treatment decisions for patients with suspected autoimmune or inflammatory disorders.

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Also Known As: RF IgA Test, Rheumatoid Arthritis Factor IgA Antibody Test
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The Rheumatoid Factor IgG Antibody Test measures IgG-class rheumatoid factor, an autoantibody often linked to rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases. Elevated levels may indicate joint inflammation, Sjögren’s syndrome, or chronic infection. Doctors use this test with other markers to confirm diagnosis, assess autoimmune activity, and guide treatment for patients with persistent joint pain, swelling, or suspected inflammatory disorders.

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Also Known As: RF IgG Test, Rheumatoid Arthritis Factor IgG Antibody Test
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The Varicella Titer Test is a blood test that measures antibodies to the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which causes chickenpox and shingles. A positive result indicates past infection, while a negative suggests no exposure. This test is not considered reliable for confirming immunity from vaccination. Doctors use it to evaluate history of natural infection, meet school or work requirements, and provide documentation of varicella exposure status.

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Also Known As: Varicella Zoster Virus IgG Antibody Test, Chicken Pox Titer Test, Shingles Titer Test
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The Varicella IgM Antibody Test measures IgM antibodies produced in response to varicella-zoster virus, helping identify current or recent chickenpox infection. It aids in differentiating acute illness from prior exposure or immunity. This test supports evaluation of symptoms such as rash, fever, or fatigue, and provides valuable information about immune activity and viral health risks.

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Also Known As: Varicella Zoster Virus IgM Antibody Test, Chick Pox IgM Antibody Test
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The Types of Vasculitis - Symptoms & Laboratory Test

Vasculitis is a term that is used to describe a group of conditions characterized by inflamed blood vessels. If there is not a clear, obvious cause for the condition, then it is typically referred to as primary vasculitis. When there is a cause, it is called secondary vasculitis. There are a lot of things that can cause secondary vasculitis, such as allergic reactions to medication, infection with hepatitis C, auto-immune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, and even complications related to lymphoma or leukemia. 

Vasculitis can affect veins, arteries, and capillaries, resulting in narrowed vessels that limit the circulation of blood and can cause tissue or organ damage. A weakened vessel can lead to an aneurysm, which may, in turn, cause life-threatening internal bleeding. 

There are a lot of different kinds of vasculitis, and they are classified based on the size and type of the blood vessel affected. Understanding the different types and they’re sometimes confusing or nebulous symptoms is important for recognizing the condition so that people can get appropriate treatment. 

The Types of Vasculitis and their Symptoms 

Vasculitis is a systemic illness. This means that symptoms can often be non-specific. Some of the most common symptoms are easily confused with other diseases that cause inflammation, for example: 

  • Loss of appetite 
  • Fatigue 
  • Weight loss 
  • Aches and pains 
  • Fever 

The symptoms might come on suddenly or could gradually surface over a period of several months. The order of onset, presentation, and type of symptoms can vary massively. Some people experience localized symptoms specific to the type of vasculitis that they are suffering from, and this can help to characterize the condition more clearly in some cases, but not everyone’s condition results in the same symptoms, so diagnosis is not easy. 

Laboratory Test

Complete Blood Count (CBC) testing is a test that checks the red blood cells and hemoglobin and can help to diagnose anemia. It also looks at the white blood cell count, which may be increased if someone has an infection, or reduced if they have had treatments that may weaken the immune system. Some types of vasculitis can cause increased white blood cell counts. One example is Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA). 

C-reactive protein (CRP) testing can identify cases of inflammation within the body. 

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) testing is another test that can detect inflammation, and it can identify certain types of vasculitis,  with this test also detects the presence of inflammation and can be increased in several types of vasculitis, such as microscopic polyangiitis and granulomatosis with polyangiitis being one example. 

Creatinine testing is used to assess the functioning of the kidneys. Reduced kidney function is sometimes present in vasculitis. 

Liver panels help to determine if liver function is impaired. 

Urinalysis looks for red blood cells and protein in the urine, which can be a sign of kidney inflammation. 

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) testing looks for a marker that can be often be found in patients with certain systemic vasculitis diseases. 

Complement is a test for the part of the immune response, which is something that is often reduced in people with vasculitis.