Antimitochondrial antibodies blood test in Chiswick
This blood test checks for antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA), the key autoantibody linked to primary biliary cholangitis, an autoimmune liver condition. It is often requested when liver tests, particularly ALP, are raised without explanation.
What the test measures
Antimitochondrial antibodies are autoantibodies, meaning antibodies the immune system makes against the body's own tissue. They target proteins inside mitochondria, the energy-producing structures in cells. Their main clinical use is in recognising primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a long-term condition in which the immune system slowly damages the small bile ducts in the liver.
PBC is much more common in women and is often found in middle age, sometimes only because a routine blood test shows a raised alkaline phosphatase (ALP). When symptoms do occur they may include tiredness, itching and dry eyes or mouth. AMA is found in the large majority of people with PBC, which makes it a useful test when the liver picture fits.
The price includes the blood sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request.
Who it is for
- Your ALP or GGT has come back raised and the cause is not yet clear.
- You have persistent itching without a rash, with or without tiredness.
- You have another autoimmune condition, such as thyroid disease or Sjögren's syndrome, and abnormal liver tests.
- A close relative has primary biliary cholangitis.
- Your GP or practitioner is working through possible causes of an abnormal liver result.
Understanding your result
A negative result means AMA was not detected, which makes PBC less likely, though a small number of people with the condition are AMA negative. A positive result, especially alongside a raised ALP, supports PBC and should be followed up with your GP, who may refer you to a liver specialist. AMA can occasionally be found in people with normal liver tests, in which case periodic monitoring may be suggested.
A positive result is a prompt for discussion and further assessment, not a diagnosis on its own. Treatment for PBC is available on the NHS and works best when started early.
Preparing for your test
No fasting or special preparation is needed for this test, and it can be taken at any time of day. If you are having other liver or metabolic markers at the same visit, we will let you know whether any of those need fasting when you book.
Our liver function tests include ALP, GGT and other markers that help interpret this result. If thyroid autoimmunity is also a question, see our thyroid tests. Browse every blood test and price in Chiswick.
Questions
How much is an antimitochondrial antibody test in Chiswick?
The Antimitochondrial Antibodies test costs £99 at our Chiswick clinic. The price includes the blood sample, accredited laboratory analysis, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.
Does a positive AMA mean I have liver disease?
Not necessarily. It strongly suggests a tendency towards PBC, but the diagnosis also depends on liver blood tests and sometimes a scan. Some people with positive AMA have normal liver tests for many years.
How is this different from smooth muscle antibodies?
Smooth muscle antibodies are mainly linked to autoimmune hepatitis, which affects liver cells, whereas AMA is linked to PBC, which affects the bile ducts. They are sometimes tested together.
Do I need to repeat the test?
Once AMA is positive it usually stays positive, so monitoring tends to focus on liver tests rather than repeating AMA.
