The liver kidney microsomes (LKM) test is a blood test that is used to diagnose autoimmune hepatitis, a condition in which the immune system attacks the liver. LKM are structures in the cells of the liver and kidney that contain enzymes involved in various metabolic processes.
During the LKM test, a small sample of blood is drawn from a vein in the arm and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The blood is tested for the presence of antibodies to LKM. If the test is positive for LKM antibodies, it indicates that the immune system is attacking the liver cells and may be causing damage to the liver.
The LKM test is usually performed when a person has symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis, such as fatigue, abdominal pain, or jaundice. It may also be undertaken when a person has abnormal liver function test results or an enlarged liver or spleen.
If the LKM test is positive, additional tests may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of liver damage. Treatment for autoimmune hepatitis typically involves medications that suppress the immune system, such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants.
It's important to note that a positive LKM test does not always indicate autoimmune hepatitis, as LKM antibodies may also be present in other autoimmune diseases or viral hepatitis. Your healthcare provider will interpret your test results in the context of your medical history and other tests to make an accurate diagnosis.
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