Insulinoma-associated Antigen 2/ Tyrosine Phosphatase (anti-IA2) antibodies (IA2 Antibodies)
IgG antibodies to Insulinoma-associated antigen 2 (IA2) are detected in 50-70% of children and 30-50% adults with newly apparent diabetes mellitus type 1 (T1DM) with levels declining with increasing age. IA2 antibodies are most frequent in patients with HLA DR4/DQ8 haplotype.
IA2 antibodies can be measured together with other markers of islet cell autoimmunity (insulin, GAD, ZNT8 antibodies) to predict the development and aid in the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Two or more antibodies in combination increase the predictive value of disease development. Screening for diabetic autoantibodies is also used to distinguish between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) in the adult population.
NICE Guidelines for the diagnosis of T1DM in adults (NG17) recommend measuring diabetes-specific autoantibodies at diagnosis and state that the false negative rate can be reduced if quantitative tests for two different diabetes specific antibodies are measured.
This test is performed by ELISA.
Diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM)
Diagnosis of LADA
Screening for latent autoimmune diabetes in at risk population
<10 IU/ml
Range derived by manufacturer and verified in house
This test is currently not UKAS accredited due to a move of assay to an automated platform (no changes to assay used).
This test is not currently accredited
Record last updated
August 28, 2025
Sample Container
5ml RST Vacutainers (Rust top)
Search test database
Test Results
Yes, we have a Pathology User Guide
Yes. Please email your request to Imperial.nwlpcustomerservice@nhs.net
Results are communicated to clinical staff and are normally not communicated direct to patients either on telephone requests or in written report. If you need to contact us please click here to view the contact details page
Please contact the Customer Service Team Monday to Friday from 8:30am – 6:00pm on 0203 313 5353. Alternatively, see the Pathology User Guide for how to contact the relevant department. If advice is not urgent you can also email your query to Imperial.nwlpcustomerservice@nhs.net
Additional tests may be added by discussion with the relevant laboratory. The time limit for adding additional tests to a sample already received in the laboratory will depend on the type of sample and the department it was sent to.
Information on the repertoire of tests performed by pathology, including reference ranges, turnaround times and specimen requirements, can be found in the test directory.
Phlebotomy services are not managed by NWLP. For further information please see:
Imperial College Healthcare Trust Phlebotomy services
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Phlebotomy services
NWLP operates UKAS accredited medical laboratories as per the references below. The current scope of accreditation for all NWLP’s laboratories can be found on the UKAS website.
UKAS accredited medical laboratory/medical diagnostic service:
- Clinical Biochemistry No. 8673
- Haematology and Blood Transfusion No. 8674
- Infection & Immunity Sciences (Including Immunology, Virology, Microbiology and Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics ) No. 8659
- Cellular Pathology (Including Histopathology, Cytology and Molecular Pathology) No. 9615
If you require copies of our certificate of accreditation and associated documentation please contact Imperial.nwlpcustomerservice@nhs.net.
UKAS requires the laboratories to be accredited for a particular repertoire/scope (ISO15189), any changes or additions to repertoire require assessment by UKAS (extension to scope).
The BD Hospital Tube Guide, BD GP Tube Guide and BD Paediatric Tube Guide provide visual references to the correct tube types and collection instructions.
Home testing
INSTRUCTION SHEET FOR BLOOD SAMPLE COLLECTION
We also have two instruction videos available (one with subtitles and one without) – please click on the links to view the videos on Google.
Our accreditations
Upholding excellence in diagnostic standards
Our laboratories are accredited by the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) against the international standard ISO15189:2022. UKAS is the accreditation body for the UK that assesses medical laboratories.
Find out more about our accreditations on the UKAS website.
UKAS website