What is Anti Soluble Liver Antigen (SLA) Antibody?

Anti Soluble Liver Antigen is a test that aims at determining, the level of antibodies present in the blood of a person. This test is performed by taking blood samples of the person. In order to confirm the presence of autoimmune liver disease, as well as hepatitis this test is done. It particularly detects quality along with the number of antibodies that are present in human serum against the soluble liver antigen (SLA). Patients who have anti SLA are very much similar, from those with classic type 1 autoimmune hepatitis it can be by age or frequency or nature of various antibodies or else sex distribution. Hence, it only identifies those patients who are suffering from huge diseases and autoimmune hepatitis.

Preparation

Anti soluble liver antigen test, does not require any special instructions or preparation in particular. Though there is no special preparation, it is better to inform the doctor, if the patient is taking any medications or prone to any allergies, before taking anti soluble liver antigen test. Even if the patient is suffering from any medical conditions, it is essential to inform before undergoing an anti-SLA test. There is no need to take particular precautions before going to this test. Even there are no restrictions or changes to be done in the daily diet, either before or after the test is done.

Uses

Anti soluble liver antigen test is done to detect autoimmune liver disease and hepatitis or any other diseases. Hence, reports of the anti-SLA tests will draw the following conclusions: If the number of units of antibodies is less than 20 units, then the test result will be negative. If the number of units of antibodies is between 20.1 to 24.9, then the result is equivocal. If the number of units of antibodies is greater than 25 units then the result is positive.

Procedure

Anti soluble liver antigen test is done by taking the blood sample at the laboratory by technicians. Few milliliters of blood are directly taken from the person. First, they clean the area from where blood samples will be collected, with the help of a cleaning agent with cotton. Next, they search for the vein to collect blood samples. Then the needle is inserted into the vein and collects the quantity of blood required. Then blood is transferred into the sample tube on which the patient's name is written. At last collected blood sample is sent to the laboratory to check the result.