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Test ID EMA Endomysial Antibodies (IgA), Serum

Useful For

Diagnosis of dermatitis herpetiformis and celiac disease

 

Monitoring adherence to gluten-free diet in patients with dermatitis herpetiformis and celiac disease

 

Because of the high specificity of endomysial antibodies for celiac disease, the test may obviate the need for multiple small bowel biopsies to verify the diagnosis. This may be particularly advantageous in the pediatric population, including the evaluation of children with failure to thrive.

Testing Algorithm

The following algorithms are available in Special Instructions:

-Celiac Disease Comprehensive Cascade

-Celiac Disease Diagnostic Testing Algorithm

-Celiac Disease Gluten-Free Cascade        

-Celiac Disease Routine Treatment Monitoring Algorithm

-Celiac Disease Serology Cascade

Method Name

Staining of Rhesus Monkey Esophagus Substrate by Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) for IgA Endomysial Antibodies (EMA)

Reporting Name

Endomysial Abs, S (IgA)

Specimen Type

Serum

Container/Tube: 

Preferred: Serum gel

Acceptable: Red Top

Specimen Volume: 2 mL

Forms: If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a General Request Form (T239) with the specimen (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/general-request-form.pdf).

Specimen Minimum Volume

Adults: 1 mL/Pediatric: 0.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Serum Refrigerated (preferred)
  Ambient 
  Frozen 

Clinical Information

Circulating IgA endomysial antibodies are present in 70% to 80% of patients with dermatitis herpetiformis or celiac disease, and in nearly all such patients who have high grade gluten-sensitive enteropathy and are not adhering to a gluten-free diet.

 

For your convenience, we recommend utilizing cascade testing for celiac disease. Cascade testing ensures that testing proceeds in an algorithmic fashion. The following cascades are available; select the appropriate one for your specific patient situation. Algorithms for the cascade tests are available in Special Instructions.

-CDCOM / Celiac Disease Comprehensive Cascade: complete testing including HLA DQ

-CDSP / Celiac Disease Serology Cascade: complete testing excluding HLA DQ

-CDGF / Celiac Disease Gluten-Free Cascade: for patients already adhering to a gluten-free diet

To order individual tests, see Celiac Disease Diagnostic Testing Algorithm in Special Instructions.

Reference Values

Report includes presence and titer of circulating IgA endomysial antibodies.

Negative in normal individuals; also negative in dermatitis herpetiformis or celiac disease patients adhering to gluten-free diet. See Results of IF Testing* in Cutaneous Immunofluorescence Testing in Special Instructions.

Cautions

A negative result (absence of circulating IgA-endomysial antibodies) does not exclude the diagnosis of dermatitis herpetiformis or celiac disease.

 

Patients with mild gluten-sensitive enteropathy may have a negative result.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday; 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

Report Available

2 days

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

86255

NY State Approved

Yes