An antimitochondrial antibody (AMA) test is a blood test that helps diagnose primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). It detects antibodies that attack mitochondria in your liver cells. Your provider may order it with other blood or imaging tests to check liver function and look for signs of liver damage.
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Antimitochondrial antibodies (AMAs) are proteins made by your immune system. AMAs attack mitochondria. Mitochondria are parts of cells that produce energy. When AMAs attack, you develop primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). This autoimmune disease damages the tiny bile ducts in your liver. PBC causes symptoms like itchy skin and fatigue. Over time, this can cause liver scarring and permanent liver damage.
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Checking for AMAs in your blood is one way healthcare providers diagnose PBC. An AMA test works by checking for antimitochondrial antibodies in a blood sample.
Your provider usually orders an antimitochondrial antibody test with other liver function or antibody tests. The results of this test alone don’t usually diagnose PBC; it just points your provider in the right direction.
An AMA test is a blood test used mainly to diagnose PBC. You don’t need to do anything to prepare for it. It can be done in a healthcare provider’s office or lab. You’ll give a small sample of blood, usually from a vein in your arm. It usually takes fewer than five minutes.
Your blood sample is sent to a lab. It’s then tested using a blood test called an immunoassay. The test looks for autoantibodies that mistakenly target mitochondria, the structures inside cells that produce energy.
Antimitochondrial antibody tests are safe. The only risks are those that come with blood tests. This includes bleeding, bruising or infection. Some people may feel dizzy or faint after the blood draw.
The results of an antimitochondrial antibody test are either positive or negative.
A negative result means antibodies aren’t found in your blood sample.
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A positive result is strongly linked to PBC. But you can get a positive result with other conditions, too. These include diseases like autoimmune hepatitis, Sjögren’s syndrome or lupus.
The AMA test is good at detecting PBC. Other lab tests, like alkaline phosphatase, are also needed, along with imaging tests, to diagnose PBC.
A positive AMA test alone isn’t enough to diagnose PBC. Your healthcare provider may order these additional tests to confirm a diagnosis:
Hearing you need blood tests can feel stressful. An antimitochondrial antibody (AMA) test is one of many tests your provider may use to help diagnose primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). While waiting for results can be difficult, these tests help your provider better understand what may be causing your symptoms. They’ll go over your results with you and explain what they mean, and answer any questions about what comes next for your care.
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Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.
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