Also Known As:
Smooth Muscle Antibody Test, Anti-smooth Muscle Antibody Test, ASMA Test, Antiactin Test
Purpose of the ASMA Blood Test
The actin smooth muscle antibody test helps diagnose conditions like autoimmune hepatitis, rheumatic disorders, infections, and cancers that result from antibodies attacking the smooth muscles.
What Does the ASMA Test Measure?
From your blood sample, the amount of actin smooth muscle antibodies (ASMAs) is detected. Antibodies, in general, are produced to ward off and fight foreign objects that can be harmful to the body—however, ASMAs attack healthy smooth muscle tissues, especially those found in the liver. Left unchecked and undiagnosed, the condition can lead to liver failure.
Who Should Take an ASMA Lab Test?
Doctors usually recommend taking the ASMA blood test for does who have symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis for diagnostic confirmation. These symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Dark urine
- Skin rashes
- Swollen joints
- Loss of appetite
- Pain in the upper abdomen
- Yellow eyes and skin (jaundice)
Furthermore, patients with other autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and celiac disease could also benefit from taking the test as they are more at risk for the condition. Likewise, genetically predisposed people should consider including the ASMA test in their wellness checkups.
ASMA Blood Test Preparation
No special preparation is needed before the sample collection.
ASMA Lab Test Results
Understanding the results of the ASMA blood test becomes easier with Personalabs. In your test report forwarded to your account, the lab technician will indicate if there is a significant amount of ASMAs in your blood.
The measurement is typically referred to as titer or concentration of ASMAs in your blood sample. A negative titer means the dilution is below 1:20, while a positive titer entails more than or equal to 1:40 dilution.
You’ll get a positive result if you have autoimmune liver hepatitis, chronic hepatitis infection, some cancers, or mononucleosis. To supplement the test, your healthcare provider may recommend other tests such as the liver function panel to assess your hepatic health.
Where Can I Get an Actin Antibody Test Done Near Me?
Personalabs lets you take the most convenient way when getting an ASMA blood test near you by following these steps:
Step 1: Visit our website’s section on Autoimmune Disease Tests, order the actin (smooth muscle) antibody blood test, and download the lab order for the lab test – considered as your doctor’s order for your bloodwork.
Step 2: Use our lab locator to choose an affiliate medical laboratory near you.
Step 3: Bring the order to the partner patient center to have your blood sample taken.
Step 4: Expect the lab test results within 2-10 business days in your Personalabs account.
For an exact turnaround time for results, please contact us at 1-888-438-5227, and we will contact the lab on your behalf as turnaround times vary depending on testing location or lab testing provider.
If you wish to learn more about your test results, we have licensed physicians you can consult with if you book a telehealth appointment.
ASMA blood test is used to diagnose autoimmune hepatitis. Smooth muscle antibodies (SMA) are autoantibodies, protein produced by the immune system that attacks its own actin which is a protein found in smooth muscles as well as in the liver. The test measures the amount of SMA in the blood.
