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Introduction ⬇

Antibodies specific for kidney structural components such as the glomerular basement membrane of the kidney can bind to respective tissue-fixed antigens to produce an immune response.

This test is primarily used in differentiating glomerular nephritis induced by anti–glomerular basement membranes (anti-GBMs) from other types of glomerular nephritis. Anti-GBMs cause about 5% of glomerular nephritis; about two thirds of these patients may also develop pulmonary hemorrhage (Goodpasture syndrome).

Normal Findings ⬆ ⬇

Procedure ⬆ ⬇

  1. Collect a 7-mL blood serum sample in a red-topped tube. Observe standard precautions.

  2. Label the specimen with the patient’s name, date and time of collection, and test(s) ordered.

Clinical Implications ⬆ ⬇

AGBM antibodies are detected in the following conditions:

  1. AGBM glomerular nephritis

  2. Tubulointerstitial nephritis

  3. AGBM Goodpasture syndrome

  4. Some patients with SLE

Interventions ⬆

Pretest Patient Care

  1. Explain test purpose and procedure.

  2. Follow guidelines in Chapter 1 for safe, effective, informed pretest care.

Posttest Patient Care

  1. Review test results; report and record findings. Modify the nursing care plan as needed. Counsel the patient regarding abnormal finding; explain the need for possible follow-up testing and treatments.

  2. Follow guidelines in Chapter 1 for safe, effective, informed posttest care.