Filamentous-Actin (F-actin) Antibody, IgG, Serum
Use
This test is primarily used for the evaluation of patients with hepatitis of unknown origin, particularly those with hypergammaglobulinemia or abnormal liver enzymes. It is also useful to confirm the presence of smooth muscle antibodies, helping to support the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). The presence of SMA, ANAs and F-actin antibodies is critical for the diagnosis, especially type 1 AIH.
Special Instructions
Patient specimens should be centrifuged and aliquoted into a plastic vial for testing. For clients in New York State, be assured that the test is NY State approved and thus orderable for these clients.
Limitations
Serologically determined autoantibodies such as F-actin should not be solely relied upon for determining etiology or prognosis of liver disorders. A negative result does not entirely exclude the presence of autoimmune hepatitis. Tests like enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays have high sensitivity but variable specificity, implying that they are better suited for confirmation rather than primary diagnostics.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (ELISA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 44706-0
- 44706-0
Result Turnaround Time
2-8 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.4 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated storage is preferred, stable for 21 days. Frozen samples are also stable for 21 days.
Causes for Rejection
Heat treated specimens
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 21 days |
| Frozen | 21 days |