What are other Names for this Test? (Equivalent Terms)
- IgA Blood Test
What is Immunoglobulin A Blood Test? (Background Information)
- Immunoglobulins (Igs) are a category of proteins produced by immune cells that aid in bodily defense against outside invaders. They recognize characteristic surface markings (antigens) on a foreign object and bind them away, before any damage is done to the body
- There are 5 five main types of immunoglobulins; each type, differing in its function and distribution throughout the body. The 5 types are:
- IgA
- IgG
- IgE
- IgD
- IgM
- Immunoglobulins can reside either on the outside of cells, or freely circulate in blood. When circulating, they are also called antibodies (Abs)
- There are 3 categories of antibodies:
- Circulating antibody: These antibodies circulate in blood and look for infection
- Tissue antibody: These antibodies are present in tissues or organs all over the body and fights infections in the body
- Secretory antibody: These antibodies are secreted in body fluids, such as saliva and mucus, and help prevent infection coming into the body from exposed mucus surface
- Plasma cells serve as antibody factories. They are specialized immune cells that, when stimulated by the immune system can produce and secrete up to 100 million antibodies per hour
- Immunoglobulin A (IgA) makes up for 15% of circulating antibodies. However, secretory Immunoglobulin A (sIgA) is by far the most prevalent in mucous secretions of the esophagus, intestines, salivary glands, and tear ducts. sIgA binds away foreign matter before it even reaches the mucous cells to cause any harm. The mass of foreign matter is then sloughed away, coughed up, or cried out
- The Immunoglobulin A Blood Test helps determine the level of IgA in blood. It aids in the diagnosis of multiple myeloma and immune deficiencies
What are the Clinical Indications for performing the Immunoglobulin A Blood Test?
Following are the clinical indications for performing the Immunoglobulin A Blood Test:
- Monitoring monoclonal gammopathies and immune disorders
- Monitoring therapy for multiple myeloma
- Loss of appetite
- Pain
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Vulnerability to infections: Individuals with decreased immune system are at an increased risk for infections
How is the Specimen Collected for Immunoglobulin A Blood Test?
Following is the specimen collection process for Immunoglobulin A Blood Test:
Sample required: Blood
Process of obtaining a blood sample in adults:
- A band is wrapped around the arm, 3-4 inches above the collection site (superficial vein that lies within the elbow pit)
- The site is cleaned with 70% alcohol in an outward spiral, away from the zone of needle insertion
- The needle cap is removed and is held in line with the vein, pulling the skin tight
- With a small and quick thrust, the vein is penetrated using the needle
- The required amount of blood sample is collected by pulling the plunger of the syringe out slowly
- The wrap band is removed, gauze is placed on the collection site, and the needle is removed
- The blood is immediately transferred into the blood container, which has the appropriate preservative/clot activator/anti-coagulant
- The syringe and the needle are disposed into the appropriate “sharp container” for safe and hygienic disposal
Preparation required: No special preparation is needed prior to the test.
What is the Significance of the Immunoglobulin A Blood Test Result?
The interpretation of the Immunoglobulin A Blood Test value depends on the age of the individual. The normal range for the IgA Blood Test is as follows:
- 0-30 days: 1-7 mg/dL
- 1-2 months: 1-53 mg/dL
- 2-4 months: 3-47 mg/dL
- 4-5 months: 4-72 mg/dL
- 5-7 months: 8-83 mg/dL
- 7-8 months: 11-89 mg/dL
- 9-11 months: 16-83 mg/dL
- 1-2 year: 14-105 mg/dL
- 2-3 years: 22-157 mg/dL
- 3-4 years: 25-152 mg/dL
- 4-5 years: 15-152 mg/dL
- 5-7 years: 33-200 mg/dL
- 8-9 years: 45-234 mg/dL
- 10-17 years: 68-378 mg/dL
- Older than 18 years: 82-453 mg/dL
A high value for the IgA Blood Test may indicate:
- Cirrhosis of liver
- Chronic infections
- Chronic inflammatory diseases
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Mixed connective tissue disorders
- Sarcoidosis
- Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome
- IgA myeloma
- Solitary plasmacytoma
- Alpha-heavy chain disease
- Monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS)
- Lymphoma
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
A low value for the IgA Blood Test may indicate:
- Hereditary telangiectasia
- Type III dysgammaglobulinemia
- Malabsorption
- Still disease
- Recurrent otitis media
- Non-IgA myeloma
- Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia
- Acquired immunodeficiency
- Gastric carcinoma
The laboratory test results are NOT to be interpreted as results of a "stand-alone" test. The test results have to be interpreted after correlating with suitable clinical findings and additional supplemental tests/information. Your healthcare providers will explain the meaning of your tests results, based on the overall clinical scenario.
Additional and Relevant Useful Information:
- Approximately 1 in 700 normally healthy individuals may display a low value for the Immunoglobulin A Blood Test
Certain medications that you may be currently taking may influence the outcome of the test. Hence, it is important to inform your healthcare provider, the complete list of medications (including any herbal supplements) you are currently taking. This will help the healthcare provider interpret your test results more accurately and avoid unnecessary chances of a misdiagnosis.
The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:
https://www.dovemed.com/common-procedures/procedures-laboratory/quantitative-immunoglobulins-test/
Please visit our Laboratory Procedures Center for more physician-approved health information:
http://www.dovemed.com/common-procedures/procedures-laboratory/
