AMA test
Also known as: Mitochondrial Antibody
Official names: anti-mitochondrial antibody and M2 anti-mitochondrial antibody
Related tests: ANCA, ANA, liver/kidney microsomal antibody, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase and SMA (smooth muscle antibody).
What is the purpose of the test?
It is done to help diagnose PBC (primary biliary cirrhosis) and is requested when your doctor suspects PBC.
What is the required sample?
A blood sample taken from a vein is required for this test
Does the test require preparation?
no
What is this test?
This test measures the amount of anti-mitochondrial antibodies in the blood. The production of high amounts of AMA is strongly associated with PBC disease. PBC is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and ulcers of the bile ducts in the liver, causing liver damage and obstruction of bile flow. This disease is common in women between the ages of 35 and 60. About 90% of people with PBC have clear amounts of AMA.
Elevated levels of AMA are also seen in primary and secondary sclerosing cholangitis, liver disease associated with chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and bile duct obstruction. In addition to these, elevated levels of serum alkaline phosphatase may also be observed.
There are 9 types of AMA antigens (M1-M9), of which M2 and M9 are clinically important. The presence of type M2 is a specific indicator of PBC, while other antigens are found in other conditions. So that today some laboratories use the AMA-M2 test instead of AMA.
Other tests that help detect PBC and differentiate it from other autoimmune diseases include:
Smooth muscle antibodies (SMA)
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA)
Alkaline phosphatase
IgM level
Bilirubin
Albumin
Prothrombin time
C-reactive protein
GGT
How to interpret the results?
When certain amounts of AMA or AMA-M2 are found in the patient’s blood, it is the most common cause of PBC.
Low AMA values are found in the following conditions:
Chronic active hepatitis infection, autoimmune hepatitis infection and syphilis.
AMA may also be found in autoimmune disorders such as SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, scleroderma, and thyroiditis.
Note: AMA levels may be lower than normal in children and people with a vulnerable immune system. In addition, it is important to mention that AMA levels are not related to the severity of symptoms of a patient with PBC, nor to determining the prognosis for him.
A point you should know:
When the level of AMA-M2 or AMA in your blood is high, your doctor will probably order a liver biopsy for a more detailed examination of the liver tissue. Meanwhile, imaging techniques may also be used to detect bile duct obstruction.
FAQ: What is the cause of PBC?
In response, it should be said that a specific cause has not yet been determined. This disease does not have an infectious agent, nor is it hereditary, although in some families, the susceptibility to autoimmune diseases is high. This disease can occur in any person and at any age, but the primary type It is generally found in middle-aged women.
This post is written by jm30303030