Anti Soluble Liver Antigen blot
Immunology and Allergy Overview / Directory
Purpose of the test
Anti-soluble liver antigen (anti-SLA) is one of a number of autoantibodies associated with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). However, it is not unique to AIH and has been described in 10% of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection (1). It has been suggested that anti-SLA be used to categorise a subtype of AIH, namely AIH type 3 (type 1 being associated with smooth muscle antibody and/or anti-nuclear antibody; type 2 with anti-liver kidney and/or anti-liver cytosol-1). This suggestion has not been universally accepted. Anti-SLA is found in patients with type 1 and type 2 AIH (2).
Sample Requirements
Serum 2.0 ml.
Storage and Transport
Samples may be stored at 4°C prior to despatch. The use of first class letter post without the need for coolant is sufficient.
Turnaround Time
Assay is performed weekly but samples with clinical urgency can be processed on the day of receipt. If this is required, a telephone call to this department prior to dispatch is essential.
Time Limit for Extra Tests
Five days
Factors affecting results or interpretation
All tests are compromised by prolonged transit times. For this reason, date of bleed and date of postage must be provided with each request.
Price
Refer to Autoimmune Liver Blot Screen test information sheet
Price available on application - please contact adrianturner1@nhs.net. Discounts could be available for significant workloads.
Contacts
Dr Ted Davies
T 020 3299 9000 Ext 8752
References
1. Anti-soluble liver antigen (SLA) antibodies in chronic HCV infection.
Autoimmunity. 2004 May; 37(3): 217-22. Vitozzi S, Lapierre P, Djilali-Saiah I, Marceau G, Beland K, Alvarez F.
- Anti-soluble liver antigen/liver-pancreas (SLA/LP) antibodies in paediatric patients with autoimmune hepatitis.
Autoimmunity. 2002 Dec; 35(8): 485-92. Vitozzi S, Djilali-Saiah I, Lapierre P, Alvarez F.
