Serum Anti-LKM-1 Antibodies

Specimen Required

3-5cc Clotted Blood or Serum

Fasting Required

Purpose of the Test

To help diagnose autoimmune hepatitis and distinguish it from other causes of liver injury

When this test is required

The anti-LKM-1 test may be requested when a healthcare professional is investigating an individual’s liver disease and wants to distinguish between different causes of liver injury. It is requested along with other testing, such as an SMA and ANA test. These tests are usually requested when a person presents with symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and jaundice and has abnormal findings on routine liver tests.Symptoms associated with autoimmune hepatitis may also include: Itching Jaundice An enlarged liver Joint aches Abdominal discomfort Abnormal blood vessels in the skin (spider angiomas) Nausea or vomiting Dark urine Loss of appetite Pale or clay-colored stools Muscle pain (myalgia) In women, lack of menstrual periods (amenorrhoea) Skin rashes Fluid buildup (oedema)Many of these symptoms are not specific for autoimmune hepatitis; they are also seen with other causes of liver injury and with other conditions.

What the Test Detects

Anti-Liver kidney microsomal type 1 (anti-LKM-1) antibodies are autoantibodies, proteins produced by the body’s immune system that recognise and target its own enzyme called cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6), a protein found primarily in liver cells. The development of anti-LKM-1 antibodies is strongly associated with type 2 autoimmune hepatitis. This test detects the presence of anti-LKM-1 (or antibody against CYP2D6) in the blood. …Anti-Liver kidney microsomal type 1 (anti-LKM-1) antibodies are autoantibodies, proteins produced by the body’s immune system that recognise and target its own enzyme called cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6), a protein found primarily in liver cells. The development of anti-LKM-1 antibodies is strongly associated with type 2 autoimmune hepatitis. This test detects the presence of anti-LKM-1 (or antibody against CYP2D6) in the blood. Autoimmune hepatitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the liver that can lead to liver cirrhosis and, in some cases, to liver failure. It is hepatitis that is not due to another identifiable cause, such as a viral infection, exposure to a drug or toxin, a hereditary disorder, or alcohol abuse. Anyone can develop the disorder, but the majority of those affected are women. There are two main types of autoimmune hepatitis. Type 1 is the most common form of autoimmune hepatitis and is associated with the presence of smooth muscle antibodies (SMA) or anti-nuclear antibodies in the blood. Type 2 is less common and tends to be more severe. It is associated with anti-LKM-1 antibodies and primarily affects younger females. How is the sample collected for testing? A blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm. Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample? No test preparation is needed. See MoreSee Less

Preparation for the Test

None

Sample Requirements

A blood sample taken from a vein in your arm

Additional Notes

Levels of anti-LKM-1 are not closely related to the severity of a person’s symptoms or to their prognosis, most laboratories will only give a positive or negative result, but some will also give a titre or level.Those with type 2 autoimmune hepatitis may also have other autoimmune disorders, such as diabetes or thyroiditis.People with viral hepatitis may sometimes develop an LKM antibodies. These may be LKM-3 in the case of hepatitis delta infection, but they have no specific diagnostic relevance. The ANA test is often performed along with an SMA test. It is a marker of an autoimmune process and is associated with several autoimmune disorders, including type 1 autoimmune hepatitis.

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