Specimen

Serum

Collection Medium:

Minimum:

Adult - 5 ml; red top tube
Pediatric - 2 ml; red top tube

Testing Schedule:

Bi-weekly (Mon and Thurs) - Batch analysis performed 
twice weekly on Mondays and Thursdays excluding 
university holidays.

Analytic Time:

1 week

Reference Range:

< 1:5 Titer;  endomysial IgA antibody is detected in 70-76% of
patients with dermatitis herpetiformis and 90+% of patients with celiac
disease who are on a gluten-containing diet.  Occurence of endomysial
IgA antibody decreases significantly on gluten-free diets.  Note:
Selective IgA deficiencies affect 3-5% of celiac and DH patients and
this condition will cause a "false negative" test.  If IgA deficiency 
is known, please note on Form 0-8 and IgG anti-EMA test will be done
instead of IgA.

Comments:

Include relevant clinical information and consultation request.

Methodology:

Indirect Immunofluorescence

CPT Code:

86255

See also:
Endomysial Antibody IgG Screen, Serum
Endomysial Antibody Titer, IgA, Serum
Endomysial Antibody Titer, IgG, Serum