Laboratory: Clinical Immunology
Test Name:
IGA IMMUNOGLOBULIN - (S)
Test Code: IGA
Clinical Information:
Alternate Name(s): Gamma-Globulins Quantitative, IgA (Immunoglobulin A)

Aid in diagnosis or monitoring of monoclonal gammopathies and immune deficiencies.
 
IgA is the major immunoglobulin class of sero-mucous secretions, part of the defence system for external body surfaces. The monomeric form is composed of two alpha heavy chains and two light chains. Two subclasses of IgA have been identified in humans, IgA1 and 2. Normal serum levels of IgA vary with age. Raised IgA serum levels are associated with breast feeding, chronic infections, liver disease and myeloma. Reduced levels may be associated with certain protein losing conditions and immunodeficiency.
 
Values should be used in conjunction with other laboratory and clinical findings.
 
Collection Devices:
Specimen Required:
Serum: 1.0 mL
Pediatric Serum: 0.5 mL

Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Referral:
Serum: 1.0 mL
Pediatric Serum: 0.5 mL

Shipping & Storage: Separate serum and ship refrigerated, or frozen if greater than 7 days from time of collection.

Testing Laboratory (MB): Health Sciences Centre Immunology Laboratory

The volumes listed are sufficient to perform quantitation of IgG, IgA, IgM
Requisition:
Reference Values:
Age (yrs) g/L
0 - 2 0.02 – 1.26
3 – 4 0.14 – 2.12
5 – 9 0.52 – 2.26
10 – 14 0.42 – 3.45
15 – 18 0.60 – 3.49
Adult 19+ 0.85 – 4.99
 
 
Pediatric reference values adopted from Garcia-Prat M, Vila-Pijoan G, Martos Gutierrez S, et al. Age-specific pediatric reference ranges for immunoglobulins and complement proteins on the Optilite™ automated turbidimetric analyzer. J Clin Lab Anal. 2018;32:e22420. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcla.22420.
 
Adult reference values adopted from Binding Site, Optilite IgA Kit, INS010.OPT ver 19th January 2015

Method of Analysis: Turbidimetry – Binding Site Optilite
Availability:
Weekdays
See Also:
More Information:
Reportable Range: 0.02 – 70.00 g/L
 
Undetected antigen excess is a rare event but cannot be excluded. If these results do not agree with other clinical or laboratory findings, or if the sample is from a patient that has previously demonstrated antigen excess, the result must be checked by retesting at a higher sample dilution. Results should always be interpreted in conjunction with other laboratory tests and clinical evidence; any anomalies should be discussed with the laboratory.