Special Precautions/Comments:

Method: Immunoblot. Calibration: Manufacturer has used sera from known positive patients to confirm antigen reactivity. External QA: Participate in a sample exchange scheme. IQC: Commercial preparation, test band on each immunoblot.

Interferences: None known

Interpretation: These assays are very sensitive and as a result can be difficult to interpret. They should not be used as a screening test alone. Due to the nature of the separation and blot transfer the antigens are expressed as linear antigens not as native antigens so some antibodies may not react with them

Additional Information:

Indication: For the confirmation of auto-antibodies to various liver proteins (LKM-1, LC-1, SLA/LP).

Background Information: The liver blot can be used as a confirmatory mechanism for the presence of the antigens if the primary method of detection (immunofluorescence) does not give a definitive answer. The blot can also be used to investigate the presence of LC-1, SLA/LP. LKM-1 antibodies are seen in 80% of autoimmune hepatitis type 2 cases and in 7% of hepatitis C patients [1]. LC-1 may be seen in autoimmune hepatitis type 2 often in combination with LKM-1 They may also be observed in autoimmune cholangitis [2]. SLA/LP is a specific marker for autoimmune hepatitis [2].

References: Bogdanos DP, Invernizzi P, Mackay IR. Autoimmune liver serology: current diagnostic and clinical challenges. World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2008. 14(21):3374-3387 PRU Handbook of Autoimmunity. 4th Edition. 2007. [Ref 1] Baeres M, et al. Establishment of standardised SLA/LP immunoassays: specificity for autoimmune hepatitis, worldwide occurrence and clinical characteristics. Gut. 2002. 51:259-264. [Ref 2]

See Also: Liver Autoantibodies

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