Test ID IGA Immunoglobulin A (IgA), Serum
Useful For
Detection or monitoring of monoclonal gammopathies and immune deficiencies
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
Special Instructions
Method Name
Nephelometry
Reporting Name
Immunoglobulin A (IgA), SSpecimen Type
SerumContainer/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 28 days |
Ambient | 28 days | |
Frozen | 28 days |
Clinical Information
The gamma globulin band as seen in conventional serum protein electrophoresis consists of 5 immunoglobulins. In normal serum, about 15% is immunoglobulin A (IgA).
Monoclonal gammopathies of all types may lead to a spike in the gamma globulin zone seen on serum protein electrophoresis.
Monoclonal elevations of IgA characterize multiple myeloma.
Decreased immunoglobulin levels are found in patients with congenital deficiencies.
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
0-<5 months: 7-37 mg/dL
5-<9 months: 16-50 mg/dL
9-<15 months: 27-66 mg/dL
15-<24 months: 36-79 mg/dL
2-<4 years: 27-246 mg/dL
4-<7 years: 29-256 mg/dL
7-<10 years: 34-274 mg/dL
10-<13 years: 42-295 mg/dL
13-<16 years: 52-319 mg/dL
16-<18 years: 60-337 mg/dL
≥18 years: 61-356 mg/dL
Cautions
Electrophoresis is usually required to interpret an elevated immunoglobulin class as polyclonal versus monoclonal. Immunofixation is usually required to characterize a monoclonal protein.
If there is a discrete M-peak, the monoclonal protein can be monitored with quantitative immunoglobulins.
If immunoglobulin quantitation is used to monitor the size of a monoclonal protein which is contained in a background of polyclonal immunoglobulins, however, changes in the immunoglobulin quantitation may reflect changes in the background immunoglobulins, and serum protein electrophoresis should therefore be used to monitor the monoclonal protein.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday; Continuously until 3 p.m.
Report Available
1 dayPerforming Laboratory

Test Classification
This test has been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
82784