Liver kidney microsomal (LKM1) antibodies

Description: 
Antibodies to liver and kidney microsomes are characteristically associated with Type 2 autoimmune hepatitis. They may develop transiently after viral hepatitis. The antibody is tested for by IIF using a rodent composite block of liver, kidney and stomach. Sub-types of anti-LKM have been described, anti-LKM 1, 2 and 3, based on the IIF staining pattern. It can be difficult to detect in the presence of anti-gastric parietal cell antibody and requires experience to be able distinguish these patterns. The laboratory routinely reports anti-LKM 1 antibodies and this done after confirmation by autoimmune liver blot and a titre result issued.
Related condition or disease: 
Autoimmune hepatitis
Reference range: 

GPC - (Negative / Positive)
ASM, (Negative / Confirmed with titre)
LKM and MITO, (Negative / To confirm)

Units: 
MITO and LKM confirmed with titre liver blot, ASM confirmed with titre value, GPC, (N/A)
Department: 
Diagnostic Immunology and Allergy Department
Location: 
King's College Hospital
Sample type and Volume required: 
Clotted (Gold top vacutainer)
Turnaround time: 
4 working days
Special sample instructions: 

All tests are compromised by prolonged transit times. For this reason, date of bleed and date of postage must be provided with each request.

Criteria for acceptance / rejections of sample
Time limit for extra tests: 
10 days
Contacts:
Diagnostic Immunology and Allergy Department at King's College Hospital
General Enquiry : 020 3299 8752 / 020 3299 1171
King's College Hospital
Bessemer Wing - 1st Floor
Denmark Hill
London SE5 9RS
For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.
Laboratory: 
Diagnostic Immunology Laboratory at King's

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Last updated: 01/03/2019