Medical dictionary

Testing for anti-heparin-platelet factor 4 (anti-H-PF4) antibodies is a laboratory procedure used to detect the presence of antibodies in the blood that bind to the complex formed by heparin, an anticoagulant medication, and platelet factor 4 (PF4), a protein released by platelets. What is analysed? Anti-heparin-platelet factor 4 antibodies are analysed to detect antibodies that form aga

What is being analysed? Anti-intrinsic factor antibodies (AIFAs) are antibodies produced by the immune system that target intrinsic factor, a protein essential for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine. What does the result mean? A positive result for AIFA indicates the presence of antibodies that may interfere with the normal function of intrinsic factors, potentially

What is analysed? Anti-liver-kidney microsomal type 1 (anti-LKM-1) antibodies are antibodies that specifically target microsomes in the liver and kidney cells. The presence of anti-LKM-1 antibodies may suggest autoimmune hepatitis. The anti-LKM-1 antibody test is used as an initial screen to detect the presence of anti-LKM-1 antibodies in the blood and assess the need for additional tests.

What is being analysed? Antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA) are proteins that target the mitochondria, the energy-producing structures within cells. The analysis involves detecting the presence and concentration of these antibodies in a patient's blood sample.   What does the result mean? A positive result indicates the presence of AMA, which is associated with conditions s

What is analysed? Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a glycoprotein hormone produced within the follicles inside the ovaries that plays a central role in ovarian follicle development. AMH levels serve as an indicator of a woman’s ovarian reserve (number of eggs remaining in the ovaries). The AMH test measures AMH levels in the blood in order to estimate the total number of follicles

What is analysed in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies testing? Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) are antibodies that target the cytoplasm of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell. This analysis involves detecting the presence of these antibodies in a patient's blood. How are the results interpreted? A positive result indicates the presence of ANCA in the blood. Th

What is analysed? Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) are autoantibodies that target components of the cell nucleus. The presence of ANA may suggest an autoimmune disease. The ANA test is used as an initial screen to detect the presence of ANA in the blood and assess the need for additional tests. What does the result mean? The result indicates the presence or absence of ANA in the

What is being analysed? Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are a group of autoantibodies that target phospholipid-binding proteins in the body. These antibodies are associated with autoimmune disorders such as antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), which can cause blood clots and pregnancy complications. What does the result mean? A positive result for antiphospholipid antibodies indicates t

What is antiphospholipid syndrome? Antiphospholipid syndrome, also known as Hughes Syndrome, is an autoimmune disorder which can cause blood clots anywhere in the body. It involves the production of antibodies called antiphospholipids, which attack the proteins on the outside of your blood cells. As well as causing blood clots, antiphospholipid syndrome can result in complications during pre