ADAM Health Encyclopedia

Autoimmune liver disease panel

Definition

An autoimmune liver disease panel is a series of tests performed when autoimmune liver disease is suspected. An autoimmune liver disease means that the body's immune system attacks the liver. These tests include anti-smooth muscle antibodies, anti-mitochondrial antibodies, anti-liver/kidney microsomal antibodies, and anti-nuclear antibodies. Occasionally, the panel may also include additional tests. Certain immune protein levels in the blood are also checked.

Alternative Names

Why the Test is Performed

Autoimmune disorders, in which cells from the immune system attack tissues or organs, are one possible cause of liver disease. This group of tests helps your health care provider in the diagnosis of liver disease.

How the Test is Performed

Blood is drawn from a vein on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and an elastic band is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and restrict blood flow through the vein. This causes veins below the band to fill with blood.

A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

For an infant or small child, the area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. Cotton or a bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any continued bleeding.

The blood sample is sent to the laboratory for testing.

How to Prepare for the Test

No special preparation is necessary for this test.

How the Test Will Feel

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Risks

Risks associated with having blood drawn are slight and include the following:

• Too much bleeding
• Fainting or feeling lightheaded
• Hematoma (blood collecting under the skin)
• Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
• Multiple needle sticks to locate veins

Considerations

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another, and from one side of the body to the other. Getting a blood sample from you or your child may be more difficult than getting a sample from others.

Normal Results

Protein levels:

The normal range for protein levels in the blood will change with each laboratory. Please check with your health care provider for the normal ranges in your particular laboratory.

Antibodies:

Negative results on all antibodies are normal

What Abnormal Results Mean

A positive test on the panel, except for a positive anti-mitochondrial antibody test, may indicate autoimmune hepatitis or other autoimmune liver disease.

If the test is positive for anti-mitochondrial antibodies, there is a high probability of primary biliary cirrhosis.

If the immune proteins are high and albumin is low, the person may have liver cirrhosis or chronic active hepatitis.