Anti LKM-1 Antibody

Acute liver failure is a health condition in which your liver cells become dysfunctional. This state results from diseases like hepatitis and can often result from various viruses and toxins. During this condition, your body produces the liver-kidney microsomal antibody (LKM). The presence of an LKM antibody is a sign that your system is targeting the antigens that contribute to chronic liver failure.

Depending on the disease, your body produces three different types of antibodies:

• LKM-1 antibodies: Marker for autoimmune hepatitis II and hepatitis C
• LKM-2 antibodies: Marker for tienilic acid-induced hepatitis
• LKM-3 antibodies: Marker for hepatitis D and autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1

Hence, your doctor can recommend an anti-LKM-1 test to diagnose the presence of liver-kidney microsomal antibody type 1. Such medical evaluation helps establish whether you have autoimmune hepatitis or facing potential liver damage.

You might need to undergo the anti-LKM-1 test if you face the following symptoms:

• Jaundice
• Skin rashes
• Joint pain
• Abdominal discomfort
• Enlarged liver
• Dark urine
• Vomiting 
• Mental confusion

The doctor can assess these symptoms and recommend a proper medical evaluation. In such cases, your body can produce an LKM antibody similar to the IgG antibodies mechanism. Hence, the result of this testing helps identify the leading cause of the symptoms.

An anti-LKM-1 test is a simple blood test that does not require any special preparations. This medical test includes a venipuncture process, in which the lab technician inserts a needle into your vein. After the extraction, the lab professionals study your specimen and compare it with the LKM antibody normal range.

A positive result indicates the presence of antibodies in your blood. A high amount of LKM-1 antibodies indicates the possibility of type II autoimmune hepatitis.
Your doctor may suggest a smooth muscle antibody (SMA) test to diagnose type I autoimmune hepatitis.

Also, you may need to undergo an antinuclear antibody (ANA) test to confirm if your body is attacking its own tissues. The need for these additional tests depends on your medical professional’s advice. A history of chronic hepatitis C can be one of the leading factors for positive LKM antibody results.

During the blood test, you may feel itching or pain at the site of the needle. However, availing this test from a reliable medical lab can reduce the chances of such risks. Apollo 24|7 offers a comprehensive anti-LKM-1 test at competitive rates.