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

Comments:

Include relevant clinical information and consultation request.

Methodology:

Indirect Immunofluorescence

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.

CPT Code:

86255    Endomysial Antibody IgA screen
86255-26 Endomysial Antibody IgA screen interpretation
86256    Endomysial Antibody IgA titer
86256-26 Endomysial Antibody IgA titer interpretation