An autoimmune liver disease panel is a series of tests performed when autoimmune liver disease is suspected. These tests include anti-smooth muscle antibodies, anti-mitochondrial antibodies, and anti-nuclear antibodies.

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 specimen is then sent to the laboratory for evaluation.

No special preparation is necessary for this test.

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

Autoimmune disorders, in which cells from the immune system attack certain tissues and/or organs, are one possible cause of liver disease. This group of tests assists your health care provider in the diagnosis of liver disease (see hepatitis).

Protein levels:

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

Antibodies:

• Negative test result for anti-nuclear antibodies
• Negative test result for anti-mitochondrial antibodies
• Negative test result for anti-smooth muscle antibodies
• Negative anti-liver kidney microsomal antibodies

If the test is positive for anti-nuclear, anti-smooth muscle, or anti-liver kidney microsomal antibodies, autoimmune hepatitis or other liver disease involving the immune system may be the cause of liver problems.

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

If the globulins are elevated and albumin is decreased, hepatic cirrhosis or chronic active hepatitis may be present.

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

• Excessive bleeding
• Fainting or feeling lightheaded
• Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
• Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
• Multiple punctures to locate veins

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