ANTI SMOOTH MUSCLE ANTIBODY

An anti-smooth muscle antibody (ASMA) test identifies antibodies targeting smooth muscle, requiring a blood sample for analysis. When the immune system recognizes harmful substances (antigens), it generates specific proteins (antibodies) to combat them. However, in some instances, the body produces autoantibodies that mistakenly attack its own healthy cells, leading to autoimmune disorders. The ASMA test specifically detects autoantibodies targeting smooth muscle, crucial in diagnosing autoimmune liver conditions like primary biliary cholangitis and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). These antibodies play a key role in identifying immune-related liver diseases.