Anyone know what IgA is supposed to be?

[joannec123]

Got a copy of my bloods and it says IgA 4.35 g/L HIGH ?

Is it to do with the Antibodies?

[Hidden]

Hi

I think that is the test for coeliac. Mine was 1.47 (0.8-3.0) and presumed negative.

[joannec123]

ohh, so having a high number isn't good then? Ive always suffered with bad stomach bloating esp after bread for any fibre really so wouldn't surprise me! Thanks.

[helvella Administrator]

Blood tests

Serological blood tests are the first-line investigation required to make a diagnosis of coeliac disease. Antiendomysial antibodies of the immunoglobulin A (IgA) type can detect coeliac disease with a sensitivity and specificity of 90% and 99%, respectively.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coeli...

Maybe have a look here:

coeliac.org.uk/home/

Rod

[Duchy82]

IgA is a specific antibody we have several types such as IgG and IgD which are involved in general fighting of infection due to bacteria and viruses IgE which is involved in the attack against parasites and also the antibody involved in the inappropriate allergy response IgA is secreted in to the mucosal linings on the body to fight infection and mucosal lining is in the intestines, lungs any part of the body that secretes mucus for moisturisation and protection so therefore i would have thought used for the identification of coeliacs as an inappropriate autoimmune response.

[joannec123 in reply to Duchy82]

ohhI see, thanks, yes. so i'm not coeliac PHEW !

[joannec123]

Thanks I have had a look at the articles. So as mine was HIGH I guess I haven't got it as it shows as low if you do. I was hoping she'd tested for my B12 but couldn't see that on the notes.. maybe do that when I next see her.

[Hidden in reply to joannec123]

If you are saying high means you don't have coeliac then I must have it with a reading in range of 1.47. Perhaps I have it wrong but I thought a negative result meant you didn't have it, and anything outside the range meant you did, or at least there was more chance you had it. What did your doctor say about it?

[sarahstevenson]

We're wondering this one too. My son has it noted on his endo letter that his IgA is negative so need further investigation? Should I drop gluten out of his diet do you think? His TTG is top of the range at 10. Will look at the links as soon as I can.

[Yana in reply to sarahstevenson]

If he is gluten intolerant he is entitled to gluten free products on prescription. So it's important to get a proper diagnosis

[sarahstevenson in reply to Yana]

thanks Yana - we hope he's not but just in case could be helpful : )

[Lynn27]

I was told it's only a problem if I needed an operation. If you have a coeliac blood test it should be put on your blood test paper work that you have a neg igA.

[sarahstevenson]

Does negative IgA mean he's likely to need gluten free? Have sent info to his physio /acupuncturist who will hopefully have some helpful advice too : )