Automated Reading of Anti-neutrophil Cytoplasmic Autoantibodies, Indispensable Markers of Vasculitis
Automated Reading of Anti-neutrophil Cytoplasmic Autoantibodies, Indispensable Markers of Vasculitis
Neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA) are essential serum markers in the diagnosis of
 vasculitis. Indirect immunofluorescence with microscope reading by two readers is the
 reference technique for their detection. In the AP-HM immunology laboratory we are looking
 for ANCAs in more than 7000 sera per year. The reading of the slides is time-consuming,
 dependent operator, and lacks standardization. In order to optimize these parameters, we
 propose the automation of ANCA reading by using a robotic platform developed in our
 laboratory and called ICARE (Immunofluorescence for Computed Antibodies Rational Evaluation).
 This microscopic imaging platform with automated reading is currently used in daily routine
 for the detection of anti-nuclear autoantibodies.

 The objective of the project is to establish an algorithm allowing i) to automatically and
 reproducibly discriminate the positive ANCAs from the negative ANCAs and ii) to propose to
 the biologist a fluorescence aspect. The investigators will then validate this algorithm on
 2000 consecutive routine samples sent to the laboratory for ANCA research.

 The usual care will not be changed, only a phase of acquisition of the images will be added
 to the analysis.

 The investigators expect to use this algorithm "ICARE / ANCA" in daily hospital routine and
 thus optimize the results with a real economic impact is 50% less reading time.
Neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA) are essential serum markers in the diagnosis of
 vasculitis. Indirect immunofluorescence with microscope reading by two readers is the
 reference technique for their detection. In the AP-HM immunology laboratory we are looking
 for ANCAs in more than 7000 sera per year. The reading of the slides is time-consuming,
 dependent operator, and lacks standardization. In order to optimize these parameters, we
 propose the automation of ANCA reading by using a robotic platform developed in our
 laboratory and called ICARE (Immunofluorescence for Computed Antibodies Rational Evaluation).
 This microscopic imaging platform with automated reading is currently used in daily routine
 for the detection of anti-nuclear autoantibodies.

 The objective of the project is to establish an algorithm allowing i) to automatically and
 reproducibly discriminate the positive ANCAs from the negative ANCAs and ii) to propose to
 the biologist a fluorescence aspect. The investigators will then validate this algorithm on
 2000 consecutive routine samples sent to the laboratory for ANCA research.

 The usual care will not be changed, only a phase of acquisition of the images will be added
 to the analysis.

 The investigators expect to use this algorithm "ICARE / ANCA" in daily hospital routine and
 thus optimize the results with a real economic impact is 50% less reading time. . From a
 valorisation point of view, this project could be the subject of a publication in an
 international scientific journal, a patent filing and an exploitation with an industrial
 partner.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Vasculitis patients having signed a consent

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  patients refusing to sign a consent