Liver Cytosolic Antigen Type 1 LC 1 Antibody Serum Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Liver Cytosolic Antigen Type 1 LC 1 Antibody Serum Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Anti-LC1 Antibody, Anti-Liver Cytosol Antibody Type 1, Anti-FTCD Antibody, LC1 Antibody, Liver Cytosol Type 1 Antibody |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 5 to 10 days |
| Recommended For | All ages; particularly children and young adults with suspected autoimmune hepatitis |
| Price | Starting at ₹3,000 |
What is a Liver Cytosolic Antigen Type 1 LC 1 Antibody Serum Test?
The Liver Cytosolic Antigen Type 1 LC 1 Antibody Serum Test detects specific antibodies in the blood that target a liver enzyme called formiminotransferase cyclodeaminase (FTCD). Doctors order this test when they suspect autoimmune liver disease, particularly in children and young adults with unexplained liver problems. It is also known as the Anti-LC1 Antibody test or Liver Cytosol Type 1 antibody test, and the sample collected is a small amount of venous blood.
What Does a Liver Cytosolic Antigen Type 1 LC 1 Antibody Serum Test Measure?
This test looks for a single type of antibody in the blood. The table below explains what is being measured and why it matters.
| Parameter | What It Is | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| LC-1 Antibody (IgG) | An antibody directed against the liver enzyme FTCD, which plays a role in converting the amino acid histidine into glutamic acid | Its presence in the blood is associated with type 2 autoimmune hepatitis, a condition in which the immune system attacks liver tissue |
Why is a Liver Cytosolic Antigen Type 1 LC 1 Antibody Serum Test Done?
A doctor may request this test when the cause of liver disease is unclear, especially when common markers have not provided a definitive answer.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Several symptoms can prompt a doctor to order an Anti LC1 antibody test. These include:
- Persistent fatigue without a clear cause
- Discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen
- Aching or swollen joints
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes)
- Unexplained itching across the body
- Nausea or loss of appetite
- A noticeably enlarged liver
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The Autoimmune hepatitis antibody test for LC-1 can help identify the following conditions:
- Type 2 autoimmune hepatitis (AIH-2), where the immune system mistakenly attacks liver cells
- Cases of AIH-2 in which anti-LC1 is the only detectable autoantibody (seen in around 10% of cases)
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, in which anti-LC1 antibodies may occasionally appear
Liver Cytosolic Antigen Type 1 LC 1 Antibody Serum Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
This test is not only used for initial diagnosis. Levels of anti-liver cytosol antibody can correlate with the severity and progression of autoimmune hepatitis. When a patient is already on treatment, falling antibody levels may indicate that the liver is responding positively. Periodic monitoring with this test helps doctors track how well treatment is working over time.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing for this test is straightforward, and the procedure itself is quick and simple.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required before this test. You can eat and drink as normal on the day of sample collection. If your doctor has ordered additional liver tests alongside this one, ask whether any of those require fasting.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps can help ensure the sample is collected smoothly. Consider the following:
- Tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you are currently taking
- Drink a normal amount of water before your appointment to stay hydrated
- Wear a short-sleeved top or a top with sleeves that roll up easily
- Avoid strenuous physical activity immediately before the test
Step-by-Step Procedure
The blood draw for an LC1 antibody serum test follows the same simple steps as any routine blood test.
- A trained phlebotomist will ask you to sit comfortably and extend one arm.
- The skin over the vein, usually on the inner elbow, is cleaned with an antiseptic.
- An elastic band is wrapped around the upper arm to make the vein more visible.
- A small needle is gently inserted into the vein and a small amount of blood is drawn into a collection tube.
- The elastic band and needle are removed; a small cotton pad or bandage is placed over the site.
- The sealed sample is labelled and sent to a specialised laboratory for analysis.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
- Haemolysis (damage to red blood cells during or after collection)
- Lipaemia (a very high fat content in the blood at the time of collection)
- Contaminated or improperly stored specimens
- The simultaneous presence of anti-LKM1 antibodies, which can mask the anti-LC1 pattern on some testing methods
Understanding Your Liver Cytosolic Antigen Type 1 LC 1 Antibody Serum Test Results
Results from the LC-1 antibody test are reported as either negative or positive. Your doctor will always review these results alongside other tests and your overall clinical picture.
| Parameter | Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| LC-1 Antibody (IgG) | Negative | No anti-LC1 autoantibodies detected; considered a normal finding |
| LC-1 Antibody (IgG) | Positive | Autoantibodies present; may indicate type 2 autoimmune hepatitis or, less commonly, hepatitis C infection |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Two situations can make result interpretation more complex.
- When anti-LKM1 antibodies are also present in the blood, they can overlap with and conceal the anti-LC1 pattern on some testing methods, potentially making the anti-LC1 result harder to read accurately.
- In patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, anti-LC1 antibodies can occasionally appear even without autoimmune hepatitis, so a positive result must always be considered alongside the full clinical picture.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While this is a specialised diagnostic test, general liver health practices are always worth following.
- Avoid alcohol and substances known to stress the liver
- Eat a varied, balanced diet with plenty of vegetables and whole grains
- Attend regular follow-up appointments if you have a known liver condition, so any changes are caught early
Lupin Diagnostics Liver Cytosolic Antigen Type 1 LC 1 Antibody Serum Test Price and Home Collection
The LC-1 antibody test price starts at approximately ₹3,000, and home sample collection is available for your convenience. The table below shows indicative prices across major Indian cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹2,900 |
| Bengaluru | ₹3,920 |
| Chennai | ₹3,920 |
| Hyderabad | ₹3,920 |
| Kolkata | ₹3,920 |
| Ahmedabad | ₹3,000 to ₹4,500 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home sample collection across cities, so you do not need to travel to a centre. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced technologists. Your digital report is delivered directly to your inbox or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The LC-1 antibody test is used to help diagnose type 2 autoimmune hepatitis, a condition in which the immune system attacks the liver. It is typically ordered alongside the anti-LKM1 antibody test and other liver investigations when the cause of liver disease is unclear.
This test is most relevant for children and young adults who have unexplained liver disease or symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, and joint pain. It may also be ordered for adults when standard autoimmune markers have not provided a clear diagnosis.
No fasting is needed before the Anti LC1 antibody test. You can eat and drink normally on the day of your appointment. Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, as some may be relevant to the interpretation of results.
No, a single antibody test cannot confirm autoimmune hepatitis by itself. Doctors typically consider the Liver Cytosolic Antigen antibody test result alongside other autoantibody tests, liver function tests, clinical symptoms, and sometimes a liver biopsy before reaching a diagnosis.
Yes, anti-LC1 antibodies can occasionally be detected in people with hepatitis C virus infection, even without autoimmune hepatitis. This is why a positive result always needs to be reviewed by a doctor in the context of the full clinical picture.
Because this is a specialised test, reports typically take 5 to 10 days. Once ready, Lupin Diagnostics delivers your report digitally via email or WhatsApp.
The frequency depends on your specific medical condition and your doctor's guidance. For patients already diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis, periodic repeat testing may help track whether antibody levels are falling in response to treatment.
Liver Cytosolic Antigen Type 1 LC 1 Antibody Serum Test: Booking, Price, and Results
