ENDOMYSIAL IGA ANTIBODY, IFA
- Code
- 900.1430
- Name
- ENDOMYSIAL IGA ANTIBODY, IFA
- Category
- None
- Department
- Send-Out
- Start Date
- Expiration Date
- Synonyms
- EMA IFA; Endomysial IgA Ab
- CPT Codes
- 86256
- Site
- SBMF
- Reference Test
- 28221
Specimen Information
- Type
Gold, SST
- Volume
1.0 ml
- Transport Info
Refrigerated
- Fasting Required?
- False
- Patient Instructions
- Reference Range
- Methodology
Indirect Fluorescent Antibody (IFA)
Clinical Significance
Approximately 70% of patients with dermatitis herpetiformis and almost 100% of patients with active celiac disease will demonstrate endomysial IgA antibodies.
Celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis are two recognized forms of gluten sensitive enteropathy (GSE). A gluten-free diet controls GSE and associated risks. IgA endomysial antibodies (EMA) is one of the recommended serological tests shown to be useful in diagnosing these conditions.
Selective IgA deficiency is increased tenfold in individuals with celiac disease, therefore, at least 3% of affected patients will test negative for this reason alone.
The endomysial antigen has been identified as the protein cross-linking enzyme known as tissue transglutaminase.