Anti Smooth Muscle Antibody ASMA Test

ASMA test is done if any liver damage is suspected. Your doctor will recommend an ASMA test if the following signs and symptoms are seen:

• Hepatomegaly, which is characterised by an enlarged liver
• Abdominal swelling
• Tenderness in the liver
• Darker urine
• Pale-coloured stools
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Pain in joints
• Yellowing of eyes or skin
• Pain in the stomach
• Rashes on skin
• Long-term fever

ASMA levels can be raised in the blood in the following diseases:

• Autoimmune hepatitis
• Chronic hepatitis C infection 
• Melanoma
• Cancer of breasts or ovaries
• Liver cancers
• Infectious diseases

Your doctor would recommend asma test for you if you have chronic liver disease or when you have, he needs to check if you have AIH which is autoimmune hepatitis.

AIH signs and symptoms include:

• Hepatomegaly which is enlarged liver
• Abdominal swelling
• Tenderness on the liver
• Darker urine
• Pale-coloured stools

Auto-immune hepatitis is a disease that occurs when the body's immune system starts attacking or making antibodies against liver cells. 

The main cause of auto-immune hepatitis is unknown, but genetic and environmental factors are considered to play vital roles. 

If diagnosed early, it can be treated by administering immuno-suppresant drugs. Untreated auto-immune hepatitis leads to liver cirrhosis, ultimately leading to liver failure. In case of advanced liver failure and unresponsiveness to drugs, a liver transplant has to be done.

Symptoms

1. Fatigue
2. Rashes on body
3. Joint pain
4. Loss of menstrual periods
5. Enlarged liver
6. Swelling of limbs

Risk Factors

1. Females have more prone to auto-immune hepatitis than males.
2. Heredity: Evidence supports that auto-immune hepatitis runs in families.
3. History of Infections: The diseases lower the immune strength of the body. History of diseases like measles, herpes simplex and hepatitis A, B, C or D can predispose the patient to auto-immune hepatitis.
4. Auto-immune disease: Auto-immune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, hyperthyroidism and celiac disease lead to a weakened immune system and thus increase the chances of autoimmune hepatitis.

Early diagnosis has to be made to prevent the disease from causing further damage. Untreated auto-immune hepatitis leads to permanent liver damage, ultimately leading to liver failure.

You don't need to prepare for anything before the ASMA test. Only a blood sample is needed for the ASMA test. You can give the blood sample at a hospital, laboratory or

any healthcare clinic.

Healthcare professionals can come home to collect the sample in case the patient is not able to go to the laboratory because of any other health condition.

The blood sample for the ASMA test is taken in the same way as other blood tests. A healthcare professional will collect the blood sample in the following ways:

• An elastic band will be wrapped around your upper arm by a healthcare professional as it will stop the blood and increase the pressure, which will help healthcare professionals to find the vein easily.
• After finding your vein, a healthcare professional will clean your skin with an antiseptic solution, and a needle will be inserted and attached to a tube to collect the blood. You can feel a pinching sensation or some kind of discomfort during the insertion of the needle.
• After the collection of blood, the elastic band will be removed first and then the needle will be taken out of your vein. A gauze dipped in antiseptic will be placed in place of it; pressure has to be applied to stop the bleeding.
• After the removal of the needle, you may experience throbbing pain for some time, but many patients do not experience anything and severe complications are rare.

Normal Results: Dilution equal to or less than 1:20 signifies normal results. It shows that a significant amount of anti-smooth muscle antibodies are not present. Abnormal Results: Titration level equal to or more than 1:40 shows high levels of anti-smooth muscle antibodies, which means the body is making antibodies against liver cells. The final diagnosis cannot be based exclusively on the level of anti-smooth muscle antibody. Your doctor can perform other tests to confirm the disease or a biopsy can be performed on smooth muscle liver cells for final diagnosis. ASMA levels can be raised in Chronic hepatitis Infectious mononucleosis Some cancers Autoimmune hepatitis is more common in increased ASMA levels, and an F-actin antibody test can be done to confirm auto-immune hepatitis over other conditions.

Positive result indicates presence of ASMA autoantibodies which may occur in various liver diseases ( autoimmune hepatitis, liver cirrhosis ). The determination of the antibodies is of diagnostic importance in autoimmune chronic active hepatitis. ASMA are also present in infectious mononucleosis, viral disease, SLE, breast / ovarian carcinomas and malignant melanoma. 
Low levels may also be detected in primary biliary cirrhosis, alcohol related liver cirrhosis, obstruction of the biliary ducts and in healthy individuals. 
Results should be correlated with the disease activity. 

The test measures the levels of ASMA antibodies in the serum. 

The ASMA test is a blood test that detects antibodies targeting smooth muscle cells, particularly in the liver. It helps identify auto-immune liver diseases and other related conditions by measuring the levels of these antibodies in the blood.

Yes, home sample collection is available for the ASMA test. A trained phlebotomist can visit your home to collect the blood sample, ensuring comfort, safety, and high testing accuracy. This service provides timely and reliable results without compromising quality.

The ASMA test is used to diagnose and monitor autoimmune liver diseases such as auto-immune hepatitis and primary biliary cirrhosis. It also helps differentiate these conditions from other liver disorders and identifies related conditions like infectious mononucleosis and certain cancers.

Normal results for the ASMA test are indicated by a dilution equal to or less than 1:20. Abnormal results, suggesting the presence of high levels of anti-smooth muscle antibodies, are indicated by titration levels equal to or greater than 1:40.

Anyone suspected of having autoimmune liver diseases or other conditions associated with high levels of anti-smooth muscle antibodies is eligible for the ASMA blood test. This includes individuals with symptoms of liver disease, autoimmune disorders, or those at risk for such conditions.

The ASMA test offers several benefits, including the early identification of autoimmune liver diseases, distinguishing them from other liver disorders, and providing guidance for the use of immunosuppressive medications to prevent serious liver damage. Early detection and intervention can greatly enhance patient outcomes.

The frequency of ASMA testing depends on your specific condition and your doctor's recommendation. Periodic testing may be required to monitor disease activity and response to treatment, but your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate schedule for your situation.

There is no specific time recommended for the ASMA test. You can have the test done at any time during the day, depending on the laboratory's availability and your doctor's advice.

No, fasting is not required for the ASMA test. You can continue your regular diet and daily activities before the test without any special preparations.

Before getting an ASMA test, it's essential to inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, especially over-the-counter drugs. Also, let your healthcare provider know if you have any known bleeding disorders, as this may affect the blood drawing process.

The ASMA test measures the levels of anti-smooth muscle antibodies in the serum. These antibodies are produced against smooth muscle cells, often in the liver, and their presence can indicate autoimmune liver diseases or other related conditions.

The ASMA test involves a routine blood draw from a vein in your arm. The area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution, and a tourniquet is applied to make the vein more visible. A needle is then inserted to draw the blood sample, and the entire procedure typically takes a few minutes.

The ASMA test should be done when your doctor suspects auto-immune liver diseases or other related conditions based on your symptoms and initial evaluations. Your healthcare provider will determine if and when the test is necessary for your specific situation.

The ASMA test becomes positive when the titration level is equal to or greater than 1:40, indicating the presence of high levels of anti-smooth muscle antibodies in the blood. This suggests an autoimmune response and may indicate conditions like autoimmune hepatitis or infectious mononucleosis.

The procedure of drawing the blood sample for the ASMA test usually takes between 2 to 10 minutes. However, the total time spent at the laboratory may be longer, depending on waiting times and administrative processes.

The reports for the ASMA test are typically available within 48 hours after the blood sample is collected. However, the exact turnaround time may vary depending on the lab and its processing schedules. Check with your trusted diagnostic center for more specific information.