F-Actin (Smooth Muscle) Antibody, IgG with Reflex to IgG Titer

Label Mnemonic:	ACTIN
Epic code:	LAB8686
Order form:	Laboratory Requisition
Supply order:	Supply Order Form
Billing:	Billing Policies
CPT code:	83516; if titer performed, 86256

Specimen(s):

Serum

Collection Medium:

Red top tube 5 mL (Clot Activator)

Minimum:

Preferred Minimum: 1 mL serum
Absolute Minimum: 0.25 mL serum

Rejection Criteria:

Plasma. Contaminated, heat-inactivated, hemolyzed, or lipemic specimens.

Turn Around Time:

1-5 days upon receipt at reference laboratory

Reference Range:

F-Actin (Smooth Muscle) Ab, IgG by ELISA
19 Units or less
  Negative

20-30 Units
  Weak Positive - Suggest repeat testing in two to three weeks with
  fresh specimen.

31 Units or greater
  Positive - Suggestive of autoimmune hepatitis or chronic active
  hepatitis.

Smooth Muscle Antibody, IgG Titer
Less than 1:20
  Negative - No Antibody detected.

1:20-1:80
  Weak Positive - Suggest repeat testing in two to three weeks with
  fresh specimen.

1:160 or greater
  Positive - Suggestive of autoimmune hepatitis or chronic active
  hepatitis.

Interpretive Data:

Refer to report.

Comments:

In viral hepatitis the titers are generally less than 1:80 and are transient. The titers in primary biliary cirrhosis are also low, ranging from 1:20 to 1:40.

If F-Actin is 20 Units or greater, then Smooth Muscle Ab, IgG IFA titer will be added. Additional charges apply.

Methodology:

Semi-Quantitative Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/Semi-Quantitative Indirect Fluorescent Antibody

Sample Processing:

Allow to clot completely at room temperature. Separate serum from cells ASAP.
Centrifuge within two hours of draw time.
Label transport tube with patient last name, first name, identification number, date and time of collection.
Transfer serum into new screw-capped plastic vial.
Hemolyzed samples are not acceptable.

Sample Storage:

Store frozen.

Transport Instructions:

Place labeled specimen into zip-lock type biohazard bag; seal bag.
Place completed requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Place dry ice on top of specimen in Styrofoam container to maintain frozen temperature.

CPT Code:

83516; if titer performed, 86256