Autoimmune Liver Screen

What is an autoimmune liver screen?

An Autoimmune liver screen is an autoantibody test that identifies some of the important antibodies responsible for autoimmune liver disease. These include ANA (antinuclear antibody), anti- mitochondrial antibody and anti- smooth muscle antibody. Some patients will have negative results despite having autoimmune liver disease.

When should an autoimmune liver screen be done?

An autoimmune liver screen should be performed in patients with abnormal liver function tests before referral to the hepatology clinic. For referral guidelines, click here. There is no role for performing an autoimmune liver screen if the LFTs are normal.

When should an autoimmune liver screen be repeated?

This is not a monitoring test, there is no indication to repeat autoimmune liver screen after the first assessment unless there is a significant change in the clinical presentation.