• Anti Mitochondrial Antibody (AMA) - IFA
• Methodology: Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)
• Significance: Primary marker for Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC).
• Anti Nuclear Antibody (ANA) - HEp-2 - IFA
• Methodology: Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) using HEp-2 substrate.
• Significance: Found in Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) Type 1 and other systemic autoimmune conditions.
• Anti Smooth Muscle Antibody (ASMA) (F-Actin Antibody) - IFA
• Methodology: Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA).
• Significance: Highly suggestive of Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) Type 1.
• Liver-Kidney Microsome (LKM)-1 Antibody by ELISA
• Methodology: Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).
• Significance: The hallmark marker for Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) Type 2, typically seen in children and young adults.

What is the difference between IFA and ELISA in this panel?

IFA (Indirect Immunofluorescence) uses a microscope to look for patterns on tissue slides, while ELISA uses a chemical reaction to measure specific antibody concentrations. Both are complementary.

Can these antibodies be found in healthy people?

Low levels of ANA can sometimes be found in healthy individuals, but high titers of ASMA, AMA, or LKM-1 are almost always clinically significant.

If I test positive for AMA, do I definitely have PBC?

AMA is very specific for Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC), but the diagnosis is usually confirmed alongside symptoms and elevated ALP levels.

Does a negative result mean my liver is fine?

Not necessarily. This test only looks for autoimmune causes. Liver damage can also be caused by viruses, alcohol, or fatty liver disease.

Is Autoimmune Hepatitis contagious?

No. It is an autoimmune condition where your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own liver cells. It cannot be passed to others.

Why is HEp-2 used in the ANA test?

HEp-2 is a specific cell line that provides a clear substrate for visualizing the various patterns of nuclear antibodies.

What is F-Actin?

F-Actin is the primary antigen that ASMA antibodies target. Testing for F-Actin antibodies specifically increases the accuracy of the ASMA test for AIH.

How long do the results take?

The report is typically available within 24 hours.

Is this test used to monitor treatment?

While it helps in diagnosis, doctors usually monitor LFTs and IgG levels to check how well you are responding to treatment.

Can children have these tests?

Yes, the LKM-1 test is particularly important for children suspected of having Autoimmune Hepatitis.

Can I take this test during my period?

Yes, menstrual cycles do not affect the autoantibody markers in this screen.

What is the significance of the "titer" number?

A titer (like 1:320) represents how many times the blood had to be diluted before the antibody was no longer visible. A higher second number indicates more antibodies in the blood.

Can stress cause a positive result?

No, stress does not cause the production of these specific liver autoantibodies.

Why is the kidney mentioned in the LKM-1 test?

The name "Liver-Kidney Microsome" comes from the fact that these antibodies bind to certain enzymes (CYP2D6) found in both the liver and the proximal tubules of the kidney.

Can these tests distinguish between AIH and Viral Hepatitis?

Yes. These markers are specific for autoimmune causes, whereas Viral Hepatitis is diagnosed using viral antigens and PCR tests.