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Immunoassay for Anti-Mitochondrial Antibodies (AMAs) in Serum

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures antibodies that may indicate autoimmune liver disease, such as primary biliary cholangitis.

Quick summary

["Helps diagnose conditions affecting your liver’s bile ducts."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
77052-9
Short code
IFITM5 Fam Mut Anl Bld/T
Synonyms
IFITM5 Fam Mut Anl Bld/T
Category
chemistry
Sample
whole-blood
Container
Lavender-top (EDTA)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
molgen
Specimen volume
3 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

This blood test helps your healthcare provider check important markers in your blood and understand how well your body is functioning. The results can be used to screen for certain health conditions, help confirm a diagnosis, or monitor treatment you may already be receiving, giving your care team valuable information to guide your health decisions.

Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like itching, fatigue, or unexplained liver issues, or if they suspect an autoimmune condition targeting your bile ducts.

Before the test, tell your healthcare provider about any medications, vitamins, or supplements you take, since some substances can affect the results. You may eat and drink as you normally would and stay well hydrated, as drinking water beforehand can make it easier and more comfortable for the lab to draw your blood. The sample is collected quickly from a vein, usually in your arm, during a routine visit.

No special preparation is needed. A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but it’s quick and painless.

Your results will be compared with standard reference ranges used by the laboratory. A value within the normal range usually means no abnormality was detected, while a value that is higher or lower than expected may suggest a condition that needs closer evaluation. Keep in mind that no single number tells the whole story, so your provider will review the complete report with you and explain what your specific values mean in the context of your overall health.

Positive results suggest a higher likelihood of autoimmune liver disease, but further testing may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.

People whose results come back positive or outside the expected range sometimes notice symptoms such as unusual fatigue, unexplained weight changes, fever, night sweats, or a general feeling of being unwell. However, some individuals feel completely fine even when results are abnormal, which is why this testing remains valuable even when you have no noticeable symptoms at all.

Symptoms like persistent itching, jaundice (yellow skin), dark urine, or fatigue could be associated with conditions detected by this test.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

AMAs are often used to diagnose primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a chronic autoimmune disease that damages bile ducts in the liver. Early detection improves management and quality of life.

Short name

AMA-Serum (Autoimmune Hepatitis Markers)

Frequently asked questions

What causes false positives or negatives in this test?
False positives may occur in rare cases of other autoimmune conditions or infections. False negatives can happen if the test isn’t done early in disease progression.
Does this test require fasting?
No fasting is required for this blood test. You can eat and drink as usual before your appointment, and having a light meal and plenty of water beforehand may actually make the blood draw easier and more comfortable for you.
Can lifestyle changes affect test results?
While lifestyle factors like diet or stress may influence overall health, they typically do not directly impact antibody levels measured by this test.
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy