Mitochondrial Antibody Profile (Screening)
This test measures antibodies that may indicate an autoimmune condition targeting mitochondria, often linked to inflammatory or connective tissue disorders.
["This screening helps identify potential autoimmune responses affecting mitochondria in your body."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 20483-4
- Short code
- Mitochondria Ab Titr Ser
- Synonyms
- Mitochondria Ab Titr Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
The test detects specific antibodies (autoantibodies) that can target mitochondrial proteins. These antibodies may be present in conditions like autoimmune hepatitis, systemic sclerosis, or other inflammatory diseases. The result helps determine if further evaluation for mitochondrial-related disorders is needed.
Why It Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, liver issues, joint pain, or unexplained inflammation. It’s also used in diagnosing or monitoring autoimmune diseases suspected to involve mitochondrial dysfunction.
Common Conditions Linked to Positive Results
Positive results may suggest conditions such as autoimmune hepatitis, systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), or other autoimmune disorders affecting mitochondria. However, not all positive tests indicate a definite diagnosis—further testing may be required.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample, typically drawn from your arm. The test is usually done in a lab and results are available within a few days.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A positive screening result indicates the presence of mitochondrial antibodies, which may signal an autoimmune process. However, false positives can occur, so follow-up testing (such as confirmatory assays) may be needed. This test is not diagnostic alone but helps guide further evaluation for conditions like autoimmune liver disease or connective tissue disorders.
Short name
Mitochondrial Antibody Screen
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Can lifestyle changes affect this test?
How often will I need retesting?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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