AMA Screening (PBC)

What is AMA?

Antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA) are autoantibodies directed against specific proteins in the mitochondria, the energy factories of the cell. The presence of AMA in the blood is an important biomarker for the diagnosis of Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC), an autoimmune disease of the liver that damages the small bile ducts.

Why should you test for AMA?

Testing for AMA is useful for diagnosing PBC, especially in individuals exhibiting symptoms such as fatigue, itching, dry eyes and mouth, and discomfort in the upper right abdomen. Early diagnosis and treatment of PBC can delay the progression of the disease and improve quality of life.

What does it indicate?

The presence of AMA in the blood is a strong indicator for PBC. Although not everyone with AMA develops PBC, the majority of patients with PBC have high levels of AMA. It is an important diagnostic tool in combination with other clinical findings.

What does a positive AMA result mean?

A positive AMA result indicates the presence of antimitochondrial antibodies in the blood, which can be a strong indication of PBC. It is important to combine this result with other diagnostic tests and clinical evaluation to definitively diagnose PBC.

What does a negative AMA result mean?

A negative result means that AMA antibodies were not detected in the blood. Although this may suggest that someone likely does not have PBC, it does not fully rule out the disease, especially if symptoms are present. Other tests may be necessary for a full evaluation.