Method for distinguishing ulcerative colitis from Crohn's disease by detecting the presence of fecal anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)

摘要

A method and apparatus for the differentiation of ulcerative colitis from Crohn's disease and other gastrointestinal illnesses using the presence of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) as a marker of ulcerative colitis is described. The apparatus consists of either a qualitative enzyme-linked immunoassay or other immunoassay that utilizes antibodies specific to human immunoglobulins for the measurement of total endogenous ANCA in a human sample. The method and apparatus can be used by healthcare providers to distinguish ulcerative colitis from Crohn's disease and other gastrointestinal illnesses.