Antimitochondrial Antibody or AMA Tests: Meaning, Procedure, Risks

Healthcare professionals perform AMA tests to examine the presence of antimitochondrial antibodies in a blood sample. The test is often performed to detect a condition known as primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), previously known as primary biliary cirrhosis. This is an autoimmune condition.

Keep reading to learn all about this test and its procedures.

A physician may recommend this test if you have symptoms relating to PBC (Primary Biliary Cirrhosis) or other autoimmune disorders. These symptoms may include:

• Experiencing constant fatigue
• Experiences of pain in muscles and joints
• Having chronic itchy skin (pruritus)
• Experiences of pain in the abdomen
• Yellowing of eyes and skin (jaundice)
• Fluid build-up around the abdomen, feet, or ankles
• Having a decreased appetite
• Dryness in eyes
• Having a dry mouth
• Being nauseous
• Losing weight

There are multiple reasons for administering this blood test. These include the following:

• It is performed to detect antimitochondrial antibodies that make the body attack its cellular mitochondria.
• This blood test helps identify issues relating to the liver and its bile duct.
• These tests may even help determine advanced liver diseases.
• It even helps determine thyroiditis, autoimmune hepatitis, liver blockages, etc.

The test is performed by administering the following steps:

Step 1: Firstly, a healthcare expert draws blood from a vein (venipuncture) with an airtight syringe or vial.

Step 2: The veins considered to draw blood from are situated inside the elbow or back of the hand.

Step 3: Choosing the most prominent vein, the healthcare professional inserts the needle and collects blood from the same.

These blood tests may mean having the following outcomes:

• Negative results mean there are no antimitochondrial antibodies detectable in the body.
• Conversely, a positive result means a considerable number of these antibodies are in the bloodstream.
• Though a positive result generally means the onset of PBC, it may also mean the onset of the following diseases- lupus, graft-versus-host disease, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.

Though mostly safe, however, in some unforeseen circumstances, the test may pose the following risks:

• Pain in the spot blood is drawn from
• Soreness in the spot blood is drawn from
• Bleeding from the spot
• Bruising in the spot
• Infection on the spot
• Experiences of dizziness

The following conditions may affect this test results of yours:

• If you are a middle-aged woman, there are higher chances of developing PBC.
• PBC is often associated with other autoimmune disorders, such as Sjögren syndrome.
• Aforesaid abnormal autoimmune functions even affect your test results.

This test, in particular, does not require any preparation. But, it is important to inform your doctor if you are pregnant or on any medication.

It is necessary to note that not all PMC patients, determined by AMA tests, are positive for mitochondrial antibodies. Hence, further detailed intervention by doctors is necessary in order to determine the exact health concern in a patient to determine the right treatment.

AMA (Antimitochondrial Antibody) tests are essential when doctors suspect autoimmune liver diseases, particularly Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC). This test helps in early diagnosis, which is crucial for starting treatment before severe liver damage occurs.

You may need an AMA test if you experience:

• Persistent fatigue or weakness
• Unexplained weight loss
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Itchy skin or dry eyes
• Chronic digestive issues

Since autoimmune diseases often develop silently, doctors recommend tests based on symptoms and medical history. Sometimes, you might be required to undergo an AMA test several times, which will ultimately increase the overall cost.

Hence, having a health insurance policy with complimentary health check-ups is important so that you can get screened without any financial concern.