Autoimmune Liver Disease Panel (Autoimmune Hepatitis Panel)
Autoimmune Liver Disease Panel (Autoimmune Hepatitis Panel)
Autoimmune liver disease panel is a combination of blood tests that help diagnose and monitor autoimmune hepatitis, a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the liver tissues. These tests measure the levels of certain enzymes, proteins, electrolytes, and bilirubin (blood waste product) to determine how well the liver is producing proteins and removing bilirubin. Other tests measure autoimmune antibodies to diagnose autoimmune hepatitis.
Thus, getting your autoimmune liver disease panel done is recommended to screen and monitor autoimmune hepatitis.
Autoimmune liver disease panel is also known as :
Liver disease test panel - autoimmune
What are Different Tests Included in An Autoimmune Liver Panel?
An autoimmune liver panel includes the following tests:
·      Liver function tests: These tests are performed to check for inflammatory blood proteins and levels of liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and degree of liver damage. During treatment, your healthcare provider may use a liver function test to monitor the treatment response.
·      Complete blood count (CBC): It helps to determine the number (count) and types of blood cells.
·      Electrolyte panel: It helps to determine the electrolyte imbalance.
·      Coagulation panel: It helps to determine how well your clotting proteins are functioning.
·      Autoimmune antibodies: It helps to identify and differentiate autoimmune hepatitis from other autoimmune disorders. Anti-liver kidney microsome type 1 antibody (anti-LKM-1), anti-nuclear antibody (ANA), and anti-smooth muscle antibody (SMA) are some autoantibodies that are tested to diagnose autoimmune hepatitis.
Other liver tests: These tests are performed to identify other types of liver diseases.
Symptoms of Autoimmune Hepatitis
The common symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis include
Fatigue
Nausea
Loss of appetite
Muscle aches
Fever
Jaundice
Dark coloured urine
Stomach pain
Swelling and confusion
Muscle or joint aches
Skin rashes
Who Should Get Tested?
To determine whether autoimmune symptoms caused are related to an autoimmune hepatitis or not
To differentiate type 1 and type 2 autoimmune hepatitis
To detect the level of autoimmune antibodies in blood
To monitor an effective treatment plan for autoimmune hepatitis
Test preparation
Some liver tests require fasting for up to 12 hours before the test, only drinking water during this time is recommended. Some medications can also affect the liver, so ensure that your doctor is aware of prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, or dietary supplements that you might be taking. Ask your doctor for details about pre-test preparations, and make sure to follow instructions closely
Interpretation of the Test Results
The test result may come as positive or negative.
Positive result
A positive autoimmune liver disease panel typically indicates the presence of abnormal liver enzymes and autoantibodies associated with autoimmune hepatitis. This might also suggest conditions such as cirrhosis, infectious mononucleosis primary biliary cholangitis, or primary sclerosing cholangitis. Further evaluation and consultation with a healthcare professional is essential to determine the specific diagnosis and appropriate management.
Negative result
A negative autoimmune liver disease panel result suggests the absence of detectable liver enzymes and autoantibodies related to autoimmune liver disease. However, it is important to note that a negative result doesn't rule out liver disease entirely, as other non-autoimmune liver conditions or early stages of autoimmune diseases may not always be detected by these tests. Follow-up with a medical professional is necessary for a comprehensive understanding of your health status
FAQs
How is the autoimmune liver disease panel performed?
A blood sample is used for this panel. Blood is drawn with the help of a needle from a vein in your hand or arm. The collected sample is then sent to the laboratory for analysis
Are there any risks involved in the autoimmune liver disease panel?
There are no known risks associated with this panel. When the needle pricks your arm or hand, you might experience a mild sting or pain. The area could be painful thereafter. Sometimes, bruising, bleeding, and infections, may occur around the site of needle insertion. Dizziness may also occur
How long should I wait for the autoimmune liver disease panel results?
It depends on the testing laboratory. This panel is to be done with specialized equipment and knowledge. Not every laboratory offers it. Your sample will generally be sent to a testing laboratory, where it may take several days before results are available
What are the limitations of a liver disease panel?
Although they are mostly accurate, several factors can affect the results of autoimmune liver disease panel. For example, harmful substances such as drugs or alcohol, or immune conditions can cause the liver to become inflamed and damage the liver cells, leading to abnormal results. If the bile drainage from the liver is blocked, it may also affect the panel results
Can autoimmune hepatitis progress fast?
The duration and severity of autoimmune hepatitis is difficult to predict. Autoimmune hepatitis may be acute or chronic. Some individuals will have few or no symptoms at all. It is diagnosed at times when the routine investigations of the liver are abnormal
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