Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No special preparation is required.
- Turnaround: 4-7 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
What's Included
This panel includes three antibody tests that help detect antibodies associated with autoimmune hepatitis, a condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the liver. Additional ANA titer and pattern testing is performed if the initial ANA screen is positive.
- Actin (Smooth Muscle) Antibody (ASMA): Detects antibodies associated with Type 1 autoimmune hepatitis.
- ANA Screen, IFA, with Reflex to Titer and Pattern: Screens for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) that may be associated with autoimmune hepatitis and other autoimmune disorders. If the initial screen is positive, additional testing measures antibody levels (titer) and identifies staining patterns to help evaluate possible autoimmune conditions.
- Liver-Kidney Microsomal Antibody (Anti-LKM-1): Detects antibodies associated with Type 2 autoimmune hepatitis.
Lab Note: Biomarkers tested may vary slightly between labs. Check the sample report for details.
Benefits
- Screens for autoimmune hepatitis by detecting three antibody types in your blood.
- Checks ASMA and ANA, the antibodies that identify Type 1 autoimmune hepatitis.
- Includes Anti-LKM-1, the antibody involved in Type 2 autoimmune hepatitis.
- Reports nuclear dot and speckled pattern results alongside your ANA IFA result, if the initial screen is positive.
- Requires only a blood sample with no special preparation.
Who Is This Test For?
- You have symptoms that may be related to autoimmune hepatitis.
- You want to screen for autoimmune hepatitis using antibody testing.
- You want ASMA, ANA, and Anti-LKM-1 results together in one panel.
- You want antibody results to discuss with your healthcare provider at check-ups.
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. Do I need to fast or prepare for this test?
No special preparation is required.
2. How quickly will I get results?
Expect results in 4-7 business days. They may take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
3. What can my results tell me?
Together, the three antibody tests show whether your blood contains autoantibodies linked to autoimmune hepatitis. ASMA and ANA are the markers that identify the most common form, Type 1, while Anti-LKM-1 relates to the less common Type 2. Seeing all of them in one panel gives a broader antibody picture than any single test alone.
4. How do the tests in this panel differ from one another?
Each test detects different antibodies associated with autoimmune conditions. The ASMA test checks for antibodies that target smooth muscle proteins, while the Anti-LKM-1 test detects antibodies that target a specific protein in liver cells. The ANA test screens for antibodies that target components of the body's cells. If the ANA result is positive, additional testing identifies antibody levels (titer) and staining patterns that may help evaluate autoimmune conditions.
5. How do I interpret the results?
Meaning comes from the combination of findings, not any single line. ASMA, ANA, and Anti-LKM-1 each point to different antibody activity, so one marker may be present while another is not. Your symptoms, medical history, and other lab findings all shape the picture. A qualified healthcare provider can put your antibody results in that context and explain what they mean for you.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
6. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
Start by sharing your report with a qualified healthcare provider. An abnormal antibody result is not a diagnosis, and it does not on its own mean treatment is needed. Because the markers are meant to be read together, your provider can look at the overall pattern and decide whether anything further makes sense for you.
Pre-test preparation
No special preparation is required.
