Test Overview
Turbidmetric
To evaluate humoral immunity, monitor therapy in myeloma. To evaluate malabsorption syndrome, giardiasis, and lactase deficiency. IgA deficiencies are associated with a high incidence of autoimmune disease. Isolated IgA deficiency is usually associated with chronic respiratory infections and allergies. IgA may be elevated in any disease affecting mucosal surfaces. IgA and IgE may be low in ataxia telangiectasia.
Cord blood (age <1 mos): 1 - 4 mg/dL, age 1 mos: 2 - 50 mg/dL, age 2-9 mos: 4 - 80 mg/dL, age 10-11 mos: 15 - 90 mg/dL, age 1-4 yrs: 15 - 160 mg/dL, age 5-11 yrs: 35 - 250 mg/dL, age 12-150 yrs: 40 - 350 mg/dL.
* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.
If samples containing macroglobulins, cryoglobulins or cold agglutinins are handled at incorrect temperatures falsely lowered values may result.
Test Details
8 hours
- IgA
Specimen Requirements
Collect specimen in SST tube. Centrifuge, aliquot serum into a plastic vial and refrigerate. Store at 2-8°C up to 8 days.
Samples may be frozen at -20°C or below for up to 3 months if they are frozen within 24 hours after collection.
Additional Information
IgA is the principal secretory antibody along mucous membrane surfaces. IgA is commonly increased in respiratory and GI infections, IgA myeloma, malabsorption or malnutrition, diarrhea, metastatic liver tumors, and some autoimmune diseases (e.g., SLE). Deficient and, rarely, absent serum IgA globulin occurs in some clinically asymptomatic individuals.