Question 1

What is Autoimmune Hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic liver disease where the immune system attacks healthy liver cells causing inflammation and damage. It is caused by the body producing autoantibodies such as antinuclear antibodies (ANA), smooth muscle antibodies, and anti-liver-kidney microsomal antibodies that target liver tissue. The ANA Screen IFA with Reflex to Titer and Pattern is the most important test for diagnosis because it detects the primary autoantibodies responsible for liver inflammation.

Question 2

What causes autoimmune hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

Autoimmune hepatitis is caused by the immune system producing autoantibodies that mistakenly attack healthy liver cells. Specific autoantibodies including antinuclear antibodies (ANA), smooth muscle antibodies (SMA), and anti-liver-kidney microsomal antibodies (anti-LKM) target liver tissue, triggering chronic inflammation. The exact trigger is unknown, but genetic factors combined with environmental triggers like certain medications, viral infections, or toxins can activate this autoimmune response that damages the liver over time.

Question 3

What is the best test for autoimmune hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

The ANA Screen IFA with Reflex to Titer and Pattern is the most important test for autoimmune hepatitis because it detects antinuclear antibodies that are present in most cases of this condition. This test provides both the presence of antibodies and their concentration levels, which helps confirm the autoimmune nature of liver inflammation. The Smooth Muscle Antibody with Reflex to Titer is another essential test, particularly for diagnosing Type 1 autoimmune hepatitis, as smooth muscle antibodies are frequently elevated in this condition. Together, these antibody tests provide a comprehensive picture of autoimmune activity and help distinguish autoimmune hepatitis from viral hepatitis and other liver diseases.

Question 4

When should I get tested for autoimmune hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience persistent fatigue, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), abdominal discomfort in the upper right side, dark urine, or unexplained itching. Testing is especially important if you have elevated liver enzymes discovered during routine blood work, a family history of autoimmune diseases, or other autoimmune conditions like thyroid disease or rheumatoid arthritis. Early detection through antibody testing allows for prompt treatment with immunosuppressive medications that can prevent serious liver damage and cirrhosis.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

Autoimmune hepatitis symptoms include persistent fatigue, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), abdominal pain or discomfort in the upper right side, dark-colored urine, pale stools, loss of appetite, and unexplained itching. Some people experience joint pain, skin rashes, nausea, or an enlarged liver or spleen. However, many people have no symptoms in the early stages, and the condition is only discovered when routine blood tests show elevated liver enzymes, making regular screening important for those at risk.

Question 6

Who is at risk for autoimmune hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

Women are at higher risk for autoimmune hepatitis, accounting for about 70% of cases, particularly between ages 15-40 or after menopause. People with a family history of autoimmune diseases or who have other autoimmune conditions like type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease, celiac disease, or rheumatoid arthritis face increased risk. Certain genetic factors, particularly specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, also increase susceptibility. Exposure to certain medications, viral infections like hepatitis A, B, or C, or other environmental triggers can activate the autoimmune response in genetically predisposed individuals.

Question 7

What happens if autoimmune hepatitis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated autoimmune hepatitis leads to progressive liver damage and scarring (fibrosis) that can advance to cirrhosis, where the liver becomes severely scarred and loses its ability to function properly. Cirrhosis increases the risk of liver failure, portal hypertension (high blood pressure in liver blood vessels), fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites), bleeding problems, and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). Without treatment, autoimmune hepatitis can be fatal, but with proper immunosuppressive therapy, most people achieve remission and can prevent serious complications, making early diagnosis through antibody testing critical.

Question 8

Can autoimmune hepatitis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, autoimmune hepatitis is primarily diagnosed through specialized blood tests that detect specific autoantibodies targeting the liver. The ANA Screen IFA with Reflex to Titer and Pattern, Smooth Muscle Antibody test, and Mitochondrial Antibody test identify the autoantibodies characteristic of this condition. Blood tests also measure liver enzymes like ALT and AST, which are typically elevated, and immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels, which are often increased. While these blood tests provide strong diagnostic evidence, doctors often confirm the diagnosis with a liver biopsy to assess the degree of inflammation and scarring and rule out other liver conditions.

Question 9

How is autoimmune hepatitis treated?

Accepted Answer

Autoimmune hepatitis is treated with immunosuppressive medications that reduce the immune system attack on the liver. Corticosteroids like prednisone or budesonide are the first-line treatment to quickly reduce inflammation, often combined with azathioprine for long-term maintenance therapy. Most patients require lifelong medication to keep the disease in remission, though some may eventually taper off treatment under close medical supervision. Regular blood tests monitor liver enzymes and antibody levels to ensure the treatment is working. In severe cases where cirrhosis or liver failure has developed, liver transplantation may be necessary, though the autoimmune condition can sometimes recur in the transplanted liver.

Question 10

How can I prevent autoimmune hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

Autoimmune hepatitis cannot be completely prevented because its exact triggers are not fully understood, but you can reduce your risk by maintaining overall immune system health. Avoid unnecessary medications and discuss potential autoimmune side effects with your doctor before starting new prescriptions, as some drugs can trigger autoimmune liver reactions. If you have other autoimmune conditions or a family history of autoimmune diseases, regular health monitoring and early blood testing can detect autoimmune hepatitis before significant liver damage occurs. Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B protects your liver from additional stress.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with autoimmune hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

While autoimmune hepatitis requires medical treatment with immunosuppressive drugs, certain lifestyle measures support liver health and overall well-being. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins provides nutrients that support liver function, while avoiding alcohol completely prevents additional liver damage. Milk thistle (silymarin) is a popular herbal supplement thought to have liver-protective properties, though you should consult your doctor before taking any supplements as they can interact with medications. Managing stress through techniques like yoga, meditation, or gentle exercise may help modulate immune function. Getting adequate rest, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying hydrated also support your body during treatment, but these approaches should complement, not replace, prescribed immunosuppressive therapy.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
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Autoimmune Hepatitis Blood Test

What is Autoimmune Hepatitis?

What causes autoimmune hepatitis?

What is the best test for autoimmune hepatitis?

When should I get tested for autoimmune hepatitis?

References

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