What is an IgA test Test? Why is the test done? Everything around this, that you should know, in this post and of course our doctors are always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form down below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!
What is an Immunoglobulin A (IgA)?
IgA is mainly found in the mucosal part of the body like the urogenital tract, respiratory tract, gut, saliva and tears and protects against pathogens.
IgA has two isotypes IgA1 and IgA2.
Both IgA1 and IgA2 are glycosylated proteins whereas IgA1 is found in the serum called IgA and IgA2 is mainly found in secretions called secretory IgA2.
Also Read: C Reactive Protein
What is the role of IgA in the body?
IgA has a protective effect and plays a very important role in the inflammatory process and hypersensitive response in several kinds of infections (bacterial, viral infection) that mainly occur in the respiratory, gastrointestinal and urogenital tract.
IgA is mainly present in the blood, saliva and gastric juices and protects the mucosal part of the body.
What is an IgA test?
IgA test is usually done to measure the amount of IgA antibodies in the blood.
What is the normal value of total IgA?
The mean value of IgA- 81-211mg/100 in the males
And 90-206mg/100ml in females.
Why IgA test is done?
IgA test is usually done to measure the amount of IgA antibodies in the blood and is also done in suspected autoimmune disorders and cancers. Though it is not a confirmatory diagnostic test.
What are the indicated symptoms of the IgA test?
If you are suffering from a recurrent infection of the sinus, stomach, intestine or lungs you may need to get the IgA level checked.
It can also be advised in several conditions like:
- Allergies
- Skin rashes
- Unexplained weight loss
- Diarrhoea
- HIV/AIDS
- Myeloma
- IgA nephropathy.
What does a high level of IgA indicate?
Higher levels of IgA indicate:
- Autoimmune disorders like celiac disease. rheumatoid arthritis and Lupus. disease.
- Allergies
- Cancers, leukaemia and lymphoma
- IBS
- Liver disease
- Chronic or recurrent infections.
What does a lower level of IgA indicate?
- Kidney disease
- Malnutrition
- HIV/AIDS
- Malabsorption disorder
- Complication of diabetes
- Kidney failure Or immunodeficiency
For more information, you can visit Wiley and WebMD.
