Liver cytosolic antigen type-1(LC-1)Antibody, Serum

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Autoantibody against liver antigen.

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Liver Cytosolic Antigen Type-1 (LC-1) Antibody Serum - Comprehensive Medical Test Guide

Why is it done?
- Detects autoantibodies against liver cytosolic antigen type-1, a protein found in hepatocytes; primarily used to diagnose autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), specifically Type 2 AIH
- Helps differentiate autoimmune hepatitis from other liver diseases such as viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, and primary biliary cholangitis
- Used in patients presenting with elevated liver enzymes, jaundice, fatigue, and other signs of hepatic inflammation of unclear etiology
- Assists in establishing diagnosis when combined with clinical presentation, histology, and other autoimmune serum markers (anti-smooth muscle antibody, anti-nuclear antibody)
- May be performed during initial evaluation of suspected autoimmune liver disease or when monitoring disease progression and treatment response
Normal Range
- Reference Range: Negative or <1:20 dilution (considered normal/negative)
- Units of Measurement: Titer dilution ratio or presence/absence (qualitative); specific reference ranges may vary by laboratory
- Negative Result: Absence of LC-1 antibodies; suggests patient does not have Type 2 autoimmune hepatitis or other LC-1 associated conditions
- Positive Result: Presence of LC-1 antibodies at significant titer (typically ≥1:20); highly specific for Type 2 autoimmune hepatitis
- Interpretation: Normal = negative/absent; abnormal = positive/present at diagnostic titer; LC-1 antibodies are highly specific for autoimmune hepatitis Type 2 and rarely found in other liver conditions
Interpretation
- Negative LC-1 Antibodies: Indicates patient likely does not have Type 2 autoimmune hepatitis; does not exclude Type 1 AIH or other autoimmune liver conditions; further evaluation with other antibody markers may be warranted
- Positive LC-1 Antibodies (≥1:20 or higher titer): Highly diagnostic marker for Type 2 autoimmune hepatitis; strongly suggests autoimmune origin of liver disease; warrants confirmation with clinical, biochemical, and histological findings
- High Titer (≥1:80 or higher): Associated with higher specificity for Type 2 AIH; may correlate with disease severity; typically indicates ongoing autoimmune activity against hepatocytes
- Low Positive Titer (1:20-1:40): Still specific for Type 2 AIH when combined with clinical and histological findings; clinical correlation essential for diagnosis
- Factors Affecting Results: Disease activity level; immunosuppressive therapy may reduce antibody titers; timing of specimen collection relative to disease onset; laboratory methodology variation; concurrent infections or other autoimmune conditions
- Clinical Significance: LC-1 antibody presence is virtually pathognomonic for Type 2 AIH when found in appropriate clinical context; often associated with anti-LKM1 (liver-kidney microsome) antibodies; may indicate more severe disease phenotype; important for prognostic evaluation and treatment planning
Associated Organs
- Primary Organ System: Liver (hepatic system); LC-1 antigen is found in hepatocyte cytosol
- Associated Conditions: Type 2 autoimmune hepatitis (AIH Type 2); frequently associated with anti-LKM1 and anti-LKM3 antibodies; may co-exist with other autoimmune conditions
- Diseases Diagnosed/Monitored: Autoimmune hepatitis Type 2; chronic hepatic inflammation; hepatocellular injury of autoimmune origin
- Potential Complications of Abnormal Results: Progressive hepatic fibrosis; cirrhosis if untreated; liver failure; portal hypertension; hepatic encephalopathy; ascites; variceal bleeding; hepatocellular carcinoma; need for liver transplantation in advanced cases
- Secondary Organ Involvement: Kidneys may be affected (hence LKM antibodies); extrahepatic manifestations may include thyroiditis, celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, and other autoimmune conditions
Follow-up Tests
- Additional Autoimmune Markers: Anti-LKM1 (liver-kidney microsome type 1) antibody; anti-LKM3 antibody; anti-smooth muscle antibody (ASMA); anti-nuclear antibody (ANA); anti-mitochondrial antibody (AMA); anti-tissue transglutaminase
- Liver Function Tests: Serum aminotransferases (AST, ALT); alkaline phosphatase (ALP); total and direct bilirubin; albumin; prothrombin time (PT/INR); gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)
- Histopathological Examination: Liver biopsy for confirmation of autoimmune hepatitis and assessment of fibrosis stage; necessary for definitive diagnosis; evaluates degree of inflammation and cirrhosis
- Imaging Studies: Liver ultrasound or elastography to assess fibrosis; computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) if cirrhosis suspected; transient elastography (FibroScan) for non-invasive fibrosis assessment
- Viral Hepatitis Screening: Hepatitis A, B, C serology and/or nucleic acid testing to exclude viral hepatitis; hepatitis E testing when indicated
- Immunoglobulin Levels: Total immunoglobulin G (IgG); elevated in autoimmune hepatitis; helps support diagnosis
- Monitoring Frequency: Baseline testing at diagnosis; repeat antibody testing may be performed during follow-up (every 6-12 months or as clinically indicated); liver function tests monitored at 2-4 week intervals initially, then every 3-6 months during treatment; periodic assessment of treatment response and disease remission
- Complementary Information: LC-1 antibody testing combined with clinical presentation, LFTs, immunoglobulin levels, and liver histology establishes diagnosis; serial titers may correlate with disease activity; testing crucial for monitoring treatment efficacy and determining prognosis
Fasting Required?
- Fasting Requirement: NO fasting required
- Sample Collection: Blood serum sample; can be collected at any time of day without regard to meals; no dietary restrictions necessary
- Medications: No medications need to be avoided for this test; continue all routine medications as prescribed; immunosuppressive therapy (if being taken) should be continued unless otherwise instructed; certain medications do not affect antibody test results
- Patient Preparation: Minimal preparation required; inform phlebotomist of current medications and supplements; inform healthcare provider if taking immunosuppressive medications which may affect interpretation; no special clothing or positioning required
- Specimen Handling: Serum separator tube (SST) or standard blood collection vial used; allow blood to clot at room temperature; centrifugation performed to separate serum; specimen stable at room temperature for several hours or refrigerated if delayed processing; proper labeling and chain of custody maintained
- Additional Notes: Test can be performed simultaneously with other laboratory tests; timing of collection not critical; test typically completed within 3-5 business days; consult with healthcare provider for specific institutional requirements or protocols

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