Autoimmune Profile (AIP)

Department of Immunology

Notes

For the diagnosis of autoimmune liver disease and pernicious anaemia. For investigation of SLE, arthralgia, arthritis please see ANA, Antinuclear Antibody.

• Anti Mitochondrial Antibodies (AMA) are associated with primary biliary cirrhosis. If this pattern is observed a follow up Liver Line Blot will be performed at a reference centre.
• Liver Kidney Microsomal (LKM) antibodies are found in a subgroup of patients with autoimmune hepatitis, and also in Hepatitis C. If this pattern is observed a follow up Liver Line Blot will be performed at a reference centre.
• Anti Smooth Muscle Antibodies (ASMA) are often non-specific. Unlikely to be of clinical significance if liver function is normal (otherwise consider autoimmune hepatitis).
• Gastric Parietal Cell Antibodies (GPC) are common in autoimmune gastritis, and a proportion of these patients will develop pernicious anaemia. Also seen in Thyroid Disorders, Addison’s, IDDM and persons aged >60.

Sample Requirements

Clotted blood. (No patient preparation or special handling required)

Adult

5ml Gold-top SST tube or 3.5ml Rust-top gel tube (Trust users only)

Paediatric

1ml Serum sample

Turnaround Times

5 days

Minimum Re-test Interval

3 months

Time Limit for Add-ons

3 days

Reference Range

Normal = Negative