Endomysial IgA antibodies
| Category | Immunology |
|---|---|
| Test background |
The endomysium is the thin layer of the connective tissue surrounding the smooth and striated muscles fibres of tissue. Endomysial IgA antibodies are used to confirm coeliac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis in patients with tissue transglutaminase IgA antibodies (TTGA). Endomysial antibodies correlate well with TTGA and will decrease with adherence to a gluten-free diet. This assay is performed by indirect immunofluorescence only on patients with a positive TTG IgA result. For coeliac disease screening please see Coeliac screen/TTG IgA. |
| Clinical Indications |
Confirmatory test following a positive TTG IgA result |
| Reference range | Negative |
| Sample & container required | Serum (RST rust top) |
| Sample volume | 5-10 mL blood (1 mL serum) |
| Turnaround time | 14 days |
| Notes | This test is currently unaccredited due to a recent change in platform. |