This test is very useful for the diagnosis of hepatic diseases, in particular, primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), active chronic hepatitis, and to detect AMA and ASMA. AMA, which had been first reported by Dr. Mackay, was subsequently shown to have a strong specificity to PBC. Though low titer of AMA may be detected in other liver disorders which include chronic active hepatitis, cryptogenic cirrhosis and drug-induced hepatitis, high titers (x40 or more) present only in PBC. Tests for AMA have been recommended as a substitute for surgical exploration of PBC. ASMA was first reported by Dr. Johnson, and shown to have a strong specificity to lupoid hepatitis and active chronic hepatitis. As ASMA are not detected in SLE, it is very useful for differentiation SLE from lupoid hepatitis. It is reported that ASMA titer shows positive in an active stage of the disease and negative in a remissive stage of the disease. APCA are associated with autoimmune gastritis type A (chronic atrophic gastritis) and pernicious anemia in about 90% of patients and helpful in diagnosis. It is reported that APCA shows positive in other autoimmune endocrine diseases such as thyroiditis and insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.

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