This test is looking for slippery muscle antibodies in the blood (SMA). Slippery muscle antibody (SMA) is a type of antibody known as Autoanti bodies. Normally, the immune system creates antibodies to attack foreign substances such as germs and bacteria. Autoantibodies mistakenly assault the body’s cells and tissues.SMAS attack flexible muscle tissues in the liver and other parts of the body.
If SMA is found in your blood, you absolutely could have autoimmune hepatitis. Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease in which the immune system attacks liver tissue There are two types of autoimmune hepatitis.
- Type 1, the more omnipresent form of the disease. Type 1 affects more women than gentlemen. It is even more common in persons suffering from different autoimmune diseases.
- Type 2, the least prevalent form of the disease. Type 2 primarily affects young women between the ages of 2 and 14.
Autoimmune hepatitis can be treated with drugs that destroy the immune system. Healing is more effective when the condition is in its early stages. Without treatment, autoimmune hepatitis can cause serious health problems, including cirrhosis and delivery of the liver.
Other names: anti-mycotic. muscle antibody , ASMA, actin antibody , ACTA
What is it used for?
The SMA test is primarily used to determine autoimmune hepatitis. It is also used to determine whether a condition is considered type 1 or type 2.
The SMA test is often used in combination with other tests that help prove or rule out a diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis. These other tests include
- F-actin antibody test.F-actin is a slippery protein. muscle Tissues in the liver and other parts of the body; F-actin antibodies raid these healthy tissues.
- ANA (antinuclear antibody ANA analysis. is an antibody that raids the core of certain healthy cells.
- ALT (Alanine Transaminase) and AST (Aspartaataminotransferase) are two enzymes created by the liver.
Why is the SMA test necessary?
This test may be necessary if you or your baby is showing signs of autoimmune hepatitis. These include
- Fatigue
- Yellow und (yellow coloring of the skin and eyes)
- abdominal pain
- joint pain
- nausea
- skin rash
- decreased appetite
- Dark urine
What happens during the SMA test?
The doctor will take blood from a vein in your arm with a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood is collected in a test tube or vial. You will feel some pressure as the needle goes in and out. This usually takes less than 5 minutes.
Do I need anything to prepare for the test?
No special preparation for SMA testing is required.
Are there any risks associated with the test?
There are no sufficient risks associated with blood testing. The area where the needle is inserted can be slightly sore or bruised, but most signs disappear quickly.
What do the results mean?
If a large number of SMA antibodies are shown, this probably means that there is an autoimmune hepatitis component, such as one. If the number is low, it means that there is a disease component.
If no SMA is found, it means that your liver damage is caused by something other than autoimmune hepatitis. Your care provider will need to order further tests to make a diagnosis.
If you have questions about your results, talk to your own health care provider.
Is there anything else I should know about the SMA test?
If the results indicate that you or your baby has SMA antibodies, your doctor may perform a liver biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis. A biopsy is a procedure in which a small piece of tissue is removed for testing.
Supplied by MedlinePlus from the State Medical Library.
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