Test Details
Methodology
Immunoturbidimetric
Result Turnaround Time
Within 1 day
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Test Includes
Quantitation of IgA
Use
Evaluate humoral immunity; monitor therapy in IgA myeloma
Special Instructions
Indicate the patient's age on the test request form.
Limitations
If samples containing macroglobulins, cryoglobulins, or cold agglutinins are handled at incorrect temperatures, false low values may result.
Custom Additional Information
Increased monoclonal IgA may be produced in lymphoproliferative disorders, especially multiple myeloma and “Mediterranean” lymphoma involving bowel. An IgA monoclonal peak >2 g/dL is a major criterion for myeloma. It may be elevated in a wide range of conditions affecting mucosal surfaces, where IgA is largely produced. Some clinically significant IgA deficiencies have concomitant deficiencies of IgG2 and IgG4. IgA may be decreased in patients with chronic sinopulmonary disease, in ataxia-telangiectasia, or congenitally. Patients with congenital IgA deficiency are prone to autoimmune diseases, and may develop antibody to IgA and anaphylaxis if transfused. IgA levels may rise with exercise and fall during pregnancy.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL (adult), 0.4 mL (pediatric)
Container
Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube
Stability Requirements
Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
Room temperature | 14 days |
Refrigerated | 14 days |
Frozen | 14 days |
Freeze/thaw cycles | Stable x3 |
Reference Range
See table.
Age | Range (mg/dL) |
|---|---|
Male | |
0 to 10 d | 2−362 |
11 d to 6 m | 8−37 |
7 to 11 m | 12−58 |
1 to 3 y | 21−111 |
4 to 15 y | 52−221 |
16 to 60 y | 90−386 |
>60 y | 61−437 |
Female | |
0 to 10 d | 2−362 |
11 d to 6 m | 8−32 |
7 to 11 m | 11−45 |
1 to 3 y | 19−102 |
4 to 15 y | 51−220 |
16 to 70 y | 87−352 |
>70 y | 64−422 |
Storage Instructions
Samples suspected of having macroglobulins or cryoglobulins should be drawn and held at 37°C. Samples suspected of containing cold agglutinins should not be refrigerated prior to serum separation from clot.
Causes for Rejection
Excessive lipemia
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001784 | Immunoglobulin A, Qn, Serum | 2458-8 | 001784 | Immunoglobulin A, Qn, Serum | mg/dL | 2458-8 |
| Order Code | 001784 | |||||
| Order Code Name | Immunoglobulin A, Qn, Serum | |||||
| Order Loinc | 2458-8 | |||||
| Result Code | 001784 | |||||
| Result Code Name | Immunoglobulin A, Qn, Serum | |||||
| UofM | mg/dL | |||||
| Result LOINC | 2458-8 |