Anti Smooth Muscle Antibody IFA

An anti-smooth muscle antibody (ASMA) test detects antibodies that attack smooth muscle in the blood. A smooth muscle antibody (SMA) is a type of autoantibody. These antibodies attack the body’s cells and tissues. An ASMA test is primarily used to diagnose autoimmune hepatitis, it is a disease in which the immune system attacks liver tissues. A test is ordered in case of the following symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis like enlarged liver, tenderness over the liver, abdominal pain, dark-colored urine, and skin rashes.

If results show a high amount of ASMA antibodies, it is indicative of autoimmune liver disease, chronic hepatitis C infection, and some cancers.

Autoimmune hepatitis can be managed with medicines that can suppress the immune system. Early diagnosis is effective and can lead to better treatment. However, without proper treatment, autoimmune hepatitis can cause serious health problems, including cirrhosis and liver failure.