Anti

Definition

What is anti-glomerular basement membrane?

The anti glomerular basement membrane test is used to diagnose Goodpasture's syndrome and nephritis. Goodpasture's syndrome is an immune disorder that causes antibodies to attack the glomerular basement membrane and pulmonary alveoli. These antibodies cause the immune system to damage the kidneys and lungs. Patients often experience 3 symptoms at the same time: glomerulonephritis, pulmonary hemorrhage and the appearance of anti-glomerular basement membrane antibodies. Approximately 60% - 75% of patients with immune glomerulonephritis have lung complications.

When should I undergo anti-glomerular basement membrane?

The Anti-GBM test is indicated if the doctor finds symptoms of Goodpasture's syndrome and lupus nephritis. Here are the symptoms of both diseases:

• weight loss
• fever chills
• hemoptysis
• nausea and vomiting
• chest pain
• anemia caused by bleeding in the lungs and kidneys
• weakening of the lungs (difficulty breathing)
• kidney disorders

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before undergoing anti-glomerular basement membrane?

Your doctor may recommend a lung or kidney biopsy to look for these antibodies using immunohistochemical techniques. Another method is to use serology which is faster and more reliable in the diagnosis of Goodpasture's syndrome, especially if the patient's biopsy is difficult to perform. In particular, serum antibodies can help monitor if the patient responds positively to treatment.

It is important that you understand the warnings above before running this test. If you have any questions, consult your doctor for further information and instructions.

Process

What should I do before undergoing anti-glomerular basement membrane?

Follow the doctor's explanation and instructions regarding the test, you are required to fast for 8 hours before the test is carried out. You are allowed to drink water during the fasting period.

If you are having a lung or kidney biopsy to take tissue samples, you should pay attention to the doctor's explanation of the biopsy procedure.

It is recommended that you wear clothes with short sleeves to make the process of drawing blood easier.

How is the anti-glomerular basement membrane process?

The medical personnel in charge of drawing your blood will take the following steps:

• wrap an elastic belt around your upper arm to stop blood flow. This makes the blood vessel under the bundle enlarge making it easier to insert the needle into the vessel
• clean the area to be injected with alcohol
• inject a needle into a vein. More than one needle may be required.
• Insert the tube into the syringe to fill it with blood
• untie the knot from your arm when enough blood is drawn
• attaching gauze or cotton to the injection site, after the injection is complete
• apply pressure to the area and then put a bandage on

What should I do after undergoing the anti-glomerular basement membrane?

The doctor or nurse will take a sample of your blood. Pain depends on the skills of the nurse, the condition of the blood vessels and your sensitivity to pain.

After the blood draw, it is recommended that you wrap it with a bandage and apply light pressure to your vein to stop the bleeding. You can do your normal activities after the test.

If you have any questions about this test process, please consult with your doctor to understand more.

Explanation of the Test Results

What do my test results mean?

Normal result:

Network:

Negative: no immunofluorescence (IF) spots were found on the cell membranes of the kidneys and lungs.

Blood: with enzyme immunoassay (EIA)

• negative: <20 units
• fluctuation (borderline): 20-100 units

Abnormal results:

Positive: blood (EIA)> 100 units

• Goodpasture's syndrome
• autoimmune disease glomerulonephritis
• lupus nephritis

The results of the anti-glomerular basement membrane test may vary depending on the laboratory. Consult your doctor if you have questions about test results.