Understanding Lab Tests for Autoimmune Hepatitis
Written by Private MD Labs Medical Writing Team • Last Updated: September 8, 2025
Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic liver disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy liver cells, causing inflammation and potential liver damage. Unlike viral hepatitis, this condition requires specialized blood tests to detect specific antibodies that indicate autoimmune activity against the liver.
Top Recommended Test
ANA Screen IFA w/ Ref to Titer and Pattern
The Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) screen is a primary diagnostic tool for autoimmune hepatitis. A positive ANA test with specific titer and pattern analysis can indicate the chronic inflammation of the liver characteristic of this autoimmune condition, helping to distinguish it from other forms of hepatitis.
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Diagnosing Autoimmune Hepatitis
Because autoimmune hepatitis symptoms can be similar to other liver conditions, accurate diagnosis relies on detecting specific autoantibodies in the blood. These antibody tests are essential for confirming the autoimmune nature of the liver inflammation and guiding appropriate immunosuppressive treatment.
Other Relevant Tests
Smooth Muscle Antibody with Reflex to Titer
Smooth muscle antibodies are frequently elevated in individuals with autoimmune hepatitis, particularly Type 1 autoimmune hepatitis. This test measures both the presence and concentration of these specific antibodies that target the liver, providing crucial diagnostic information about the autoimmune attack on liver cells.
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Mitochondrial Antibody with Reflex to Titer
While mitochondrial antibodies are more commonly associated with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), they can sometimes be present in autoimmune hepatitis cases. This test helps differentiate between different autoimmune liver conditions and provides a comprehensive antibody profile for accurate diagnosis.
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Understanding Your Results
These antibody tests work together to provide a comprehensive picture of autoimmune activity affecting the liver. Positive results, especially when combined with elevated liver enzymes and characteristic symptoms, strongly support an autoimmune hepatitis diagnosis. The specific antibody patterns can also help classify the type of autoimmune hepatitis, which influences treatment decisions.
Important Considerations
The information here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. A liver biopsy may also be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of liver damage.
