Liver-Kidney Microsome Antibody, IgG

Label Mnemonic:	LKM
Epic code:	LAB8679
Order form:	Laboratory Requisition
Supply order:	Supply Order Form
Billing:	Billing Policies
CPT code:	86376

Specimen(s):

Serum

Collection Medium:

Red top tube 5 mL (Clot Activator)

Minimum:

Preferred Minimum: 0.5 mL serum
Absolute Minimum: 0.4 mL serum

Turn Around Time:

1 day upon receipt at reference laboratory

Reference Range:

< or =20.0 Units (negative)
20.1-24.9 Units (equivocal)
> or =25.0 Units (positive)
Reference values apply to all ages.

Interpretive Data:

Seropositivity for anti-LKM-1 antibodies is consistent with a diagnosis of AIH type 2.

Comments:

Useful For:
Evaluation of patients with liver disease of unknown etiology

Evaluation of patients with suspected autoimmune hepatitis

Cautions:
Serologic tests for autoantibodies, including anti-LKM-1, should not be relied upon exclusively to determine the etiology or prognosis of patients with liver disease.

Anti-LKM-1 antibodies may occur in some patients with chronic hepatitis caused by hepatitis C virus infection. Although the epitopes recognized by anti-LKM-1 antibodies in hepatitis C virus infection are different than in patients with AIH type 2, physicians must use caution in interpreting the results of tests for anti-LKM-1 antibodies in such patients.

Methodology:

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

Sample Processing:

Centrifuge at 3500 RPM for 5 minutes.
Transfer serum into new labeled container and cap.
Relevant clinical information must be submitted with specimen in order to provide correct interpretation of test results.

Sample Storage:

Refrigerate serum 2-8°C.
Refrigerate.

Transport Instructions:

Place specimen into zip-lock type bag, seal bag.
Place requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Ship refrigerated.

CPT Code:

86376