Specimen:

Serum

Collection Medium:

Minimum:

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

Testing
Schedule:

0800-1630 Monday through Friday.

Analytic Time:

1 week

Reference Range:

EndomysialAntibody IgA: <1:5 Titer

Gliadin IgA and IgG: Negative: <20 units
                     Weak Positive: 20-30 units
                     Moderate to Stong Positive: >30 units
Tissue Transglutaminase:  < 20 units

Comments:

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 dermatitis 
herpetiformis patients and this condition will cause a "false negative" 
test.  If IgA deficiency is known, please note on the requisition and 
IgG anti-EMA test will be done instead of IgA.

Selective IgA deficiency affects 3-5% of celiac and dermatitis 
herpetiformis patients.

CPT codes:  86255    Endomysial Antibody IgA screen
            86255-26 Endomysial Antibody IgA screen interpretation
            86256    Endomysial Antibody IgA titer
            86256-26 Endomysial Antibody IgA titer interpretation
            83520    Gliadin IgA Antibody
            83520    Gliadin IgG Antibody
            83520    Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody

Methodology:

Endomysial Antibody IgA:  Indirect Immunofluorescence
Gliadin IgA, Gliadin IgG, and Tissue Transglutaminase:
   Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

Sample
Processing:

Centrifuge at 3500 RPM for 5 minutes.
Aliquot serum into labeled container and cap.

Sample
Storage:

Refrigerate serum 2-8 degree C.

Transport
Instructions:

Place specimen into zip-lock type bag, seal bag.
Place requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Ship at ambient temperature.

See also:
Tissue Transglutaminase, Serum