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/MPOcomplement levels (C3/C4)cryoglobulinshepatitis 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)complementscryoglobulinshepatitis panelsanti-GBMANA 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/C4cryoglobulinshepatitis panelsanti-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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Name Matches

The Complete Blood Count with Differential and Platelets Test is a comprehensive blood test that checks red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. The differential analyzes types of white blood cells to detect infections, anemia, clotting abnormalities, immune conditions, and certain cancers. This essential test is often ordered for routine health exams, diagnosis, and monitoring treatment progress.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: CBC Test, CBC with Differential and Platelets Test, CBC w/Diff and Platelets Test, Full Blood Count Test, Complete Blood Count Test

The C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test measures CRP levels in blood to detect inflammation in the body. Elevated CRP may indicate infections, autoimmune disorders, or chronic diseases such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, or inflammatory bowel disease. Doctors use this test to assess acute illness, monitor treatment response, and evaluate risk for heart disease. The CRP test provides key insight into inflammation, immune health, and overall wellness.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: CRP Test, Inflammation Test

The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) Test measures 21 markers to assess metabolic health, liver and kidney function, and electrolyte balance. It includes glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, CO2, albumin, globulin, A/G ratio, total protein, bilirubin, ALP, AST, ALT, BUN, creatinine, BUN/creatinine ratio, and eGFR. The CMP helps detect diabetes, liver or kidney disease, and supports routine screening and chronic condition monitoring.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: CMP Test, Chemistry Panel Test, Chem Test, Chem 21 Test, Chem 14 Test 

Most Popular

The Creatinine Test measures creatinine levels in blood to evaluate kidney function and filtration efficiency. Elevated levels may indicate kidney disease, dehydration, or muscle disorders, while low levels may reflect reduced muscle mass. Doctors use this test to monitor chronic kidney disease (CKD), assess treatment response, and detect early signs of renal impairment. It provides key insight into kidney health, metabolic balance, and overall renal function.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Blood Creatinine Test, Serum Creatinine Test

Most Popular

The Sed Rate Test, also called the ESR Test, measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a sample of blood. A faster rate may signal inflammation caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, arthritis, or other chronic conditions. Doctors use this test to investigate unexplained fever, joint pain, or muscle aches, and to monitor inflammatory disorders such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. The Sed Rate Test provides important insight into overall inflammatory activity.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Test, ESR Test, Sedimentation Rate Test, Westergren Sedimentation Rate Test

The Sedimentation Rate Blood Test, also called the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) Test, measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a sample. A faster rate can signal inflammation linked to arthritis, autoimmune disease, or infection. Doctors order this test when patients have symptoms like joint pain, fever, or fatigue. While not diagnostic alone, results provide valuable insight into inflammatory activity and help guide further evaluation and treatment.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Sed Rate Test

The Hepatic Function Panel Test measures liver enzymes, proteins, and bilirubin to assess liver health and function. It includes ALT, AST, ALP, albumin, total protein, and bilirubin levels. Abnormal results may indicate hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver, or bile duct problems. Doctors use this test to investigate jaundice, nausea, abdominal pain, or fatigue and to monitor liver disease, alcohol use, or medication side effects affecting liver function.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Liver Function Panel Test, LFT

The Liver Function Panel, also known as a Hepatic Function Panel, measures proteins, enzymes, and bilirubin to assess liver health and function. It helps detect liver disease, monitor liver conditions, and evaluate the effects of medications or other factors on liver performance.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Hepatic Function Panel Test, HFP Test

The Urinalysis Complete Test evaluates urine for physical, chemical, and microscopic properties to assess kidney health, urinary tract infections, diabetes, and metabolic disorders. It measures appearance, concentration, pH, protein, glucose, ketones, blood, bilirubin, nitrites, leukocyte esterase, and microscopic cells or crystals. Doctors use this test in routine exams, to diagnose urinary symptoms, and to monitor chronic kidney or metabolic disease.

Urine
Urine Collection
Also Known As: Urine Analysis Test, UA Test, Complete Urinalysis Test

The Complement Component C3c and C4c Test measures levels of two key proteins in the complement system, which supports immune defense and inflammation control. Abnormal results may indicate autoimmune disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or certain infections. Doctors use this test to investigate unexplained inflammation, monitor disease activity, and guide treatment decisions in patients with suspected immune or inflammatory disorders.

Also Known As: C3 and C4 Test, Complement C3 and C4 Test, Complement Test

The Complement Component C3c Test measures levels of C3c, a protein involved in the immune complement system. Abnormal results may indicate autoimmune disorders, recurrent infections, or kidney disease linked to immune activity. Doctors use this blood test to evaluate complement activation, diagnose immune-related conditions, and monitor disease progression or treatment effectiveness in patients with suspected lupus, glomerulonephritis, or other immune disorders.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: C3 Test, Complement C3 Test, Complement Test

The Complement Component C4c Test measures blood levels of C4c, a protein in the complement system that supports immune defense and inflammation control. Abnormal levels may indicate autoimmune disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or immune complex disease, as well as certain kidney conditions. Doctors use this test to evaluate complement activation, confirm diagnosis, and monitor treatment response in patients with suspected immune-related diseases.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: C4 Test, Complement C4 Test, Complement Test

The Complement Total CH50 Test measures overall activity of the complement system, a key part of the immune response that helps fight infections and regulate inflammation. Abnormal results may indicate autoimmune diseases such as lupus, complement deficiencies, or immune complex disorders. Doctors use this blood test to evaluate immune function, investigate recurrent infections, and monitor treatment in patients with suspected immune or autoimmune conditions.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Total Complement Test, Total Complement Activity Test

The ANCA Vasculitides Test measures antibodies that target neutrophils, helping identify autoimmune vasculitis. It aids in diagnosing conditions including granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis. This test provides insight into systemic inflammation, kidney disease, and respiratory involvement, supporting evaluation of autoimmune disorders linked to vascular and organ damage.

Blood
Blood Draw

The ANA IFA Panel Comprehensive screens for autoimmune disorders by detecting antinuclear antibodies and specific markers including dsDNA, Sm, Sm/RNP, Scl-70, and Sjögren’s SS-A/SS-B. Doctors order this panel for patients with joint pain, rash, fatigue, or suspected lupus, scleroderma, or Sjögren’s syndrome. Results provide critical insight into autoimmune activity, helping confirm diagnosis, monitor disease progression, and guide treatment decisions.

Also Known As: Comprehensive ANA Panel

The ANA Screen IFA with Reflex to Titer and Pattern Test detects antinuclear antibodies in blood to evaluate autoimmune activity. If positive, further testing identifies antibody concentration (titer) and fluorescence pattern, helping diagnose conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Sjögren’s syndrome. Doctors order this test to investigate symptoms such as joint pain, fatigue, rash, or swelling and to guide treatment for autoimmune and connective tissue disorders.

Also Known As: ANA Test, Antinuclear Antibody Screen Test

The ANCA Screen with MPO and PR3 with Reflex to ANCA Titer detects antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies linked to autoimmune vasculitis. By targeting myeloperoxidase (MPO) and proteinase 3 (PR3), this test helps evaluate conditions such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis or microscopic polyangiitis. It supports diagnosis, disease activity monitoring, and assessment of autoimmune inflammation.


The ANCA Screen with Reflex to ANCA Titer detects antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, often linked to autoimmune vasculitis such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis. If the screen is positive, a titer is performed to measure antibody levels for greater diagnostic accuracy. Doctors use this test to evaluate unexplained inflammation, kidney or lung issues, and guide treatment decisions in autoimmune and systemic vasculitis care.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: ANCA Test, cANCA Test, pANCA Test, Serine Protease 3 Test, Acticytoplasmic Test, 3-ANCA test, PR3-ANCA Test, MPO-ANCA test

The ADMA and SDMA Test measures asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginine, biomarkers of nitric oxide metabolism and endothelial function. Elevated levels are linked to cardiovascular disease, kidney dysfunction, and metabolic disorders. Doctors order this test to assess vascular health, kidney function, or cardiovascular risk. Results provide critical insight into endothelial damage, early detection of disease, and guidance for preventive or therapeutic strategies.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: ADMA/SDMA Test

The Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Test measures ACE levels in the blood to help diagnose and monitor sarcoidosis, a condition marked by granulomas in the lungs, lymph nodes, or other organs. Elevated ACE may also be seen in other granulomatous diseases. Doctors use this test to support diagnosis, track disease activity, and evaluate response to therapy, especially when paired with imaging or additional lab studies.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: ACE Test, SACE Test, Serum Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Test

Blood
Blood Draw

The Beta-2-Glycoprotein I IgG IgA IgM Antibodies Test detects autoantibodies linked to antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), a disorder that increases risk of abnormal blood clotting. Measuring all three antibody classes provides a thorough evaluation of immune activity. Elevated results may be associated with recurrent miscarriages, venous or arterial thrombosis, and autoimmune conditions, supporting diagnosis and monitoring of clotting-related disorders.


The Beta-2-Glycoprotein I IgA Antibody Test detects IgA antibodies targeting beta-2 glycoprotein I, helping identify autoimmune conditions and clotting disorders. Positive results may indicate antiphospholipid syndrome, thrombotic risk, or pregnancy complications. This test provides insight into immune activity, vascular health, and systemic conditions linked to abnormal coagulation and inflammation.

Blood
Blood Draw

The Beta-2-Glycoprotein I IgG Antibody Test detects IgG antibodies targeting beta-2 glycoprotein I, helping assess autoimmune disorders and clotting risk. Positive results may indicate antiphospholipid syndrome, pregnancy complications, or thrombotic conditions. This test provides insight into vascular health, immune response, and systemic disorders related to antibody activity and coagulation balance.

Blood
Blood Draw

The Beta-2-Glycoprotein I IgM Antibody Test detects IgM antibodies targeting beta-2 glycoprotein I to help assess autoimmune activity and clotting disorders. Positive findings may suggest antiphospholipid syndrome, thrombotic risk, or recurrent miscarriage. This test provides insight into vascular health, immune regulation, and systemic disorders tied to antibody activity and coagulation balance.

Blood
Blood Draw

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.