Epic Test Code LAB3009 Immunoglobulin: IgA, Serum
Performing Location(s)
BMC
Specimen Type
Serum or Plasma
Preferred Container
Gold or Red top tube
Alternate Container
Green (Heparin) top tube
Blood Tube Draw Volume
Min 50% draw volume
Minimum Volume to Submit for Testing
0.5 mL Serum or Plasma
- Multiple test can be performed from this volume. For question please contact the lab at 547-3975.
Storage Requirements
Sample tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection
Gold tops DO NOT ALIQUOT
Aliquot Red tops
See Causes of Rejection for temperature requirements.
Transportation Needs
Deliver specimen to laboratory within 1 hour of collection if unspun. If not possible see "storage Requirements".
Causes for Rejection
Mislabeled or unlabeled specimen
Less than 50% draw for Vacutainer tubes
> 3 days Refrigerated
> 8 hours Room Temperature
> 5 Days Frozen
Hemolysis > 500 mg/dL HgB
Lipemia > 550 mg/dL Trig
Bilirubin > 40 mg/dL Bili
RF >600 IU/mL
Limitations
Samples containing a monoclonal immunoglobulin may result in a condition of antigen excess and artificially decreased values. Since the presence of a monoclonal protein can normally be detected using protein electrophoresis, the validity of immunochemical results may be confirmed with an electrophoretic pattern
Reference Values
Adults | |
Units | Reference Range |
mg/dL | 66-433 |
Available STAT
Yes
Days of Analysis
All
Additional Information
Additional Information:
Immunoglobulins are formed by plasma cells as a humoral response to contact of the immune system with antigens.1 The initial reaction is production of IgM antibodies, followed later by IgG and IgA antibodies. Quantitative determination of the immunoglobulins can provide important information on the humoral immune status
IgA is the second most abundant immunoglobulin in normal adult plasma. It is the predominant immunoglobulin in body secretions such as colostrum, saliva, and sweat. Synthesis of IgA begins during the first few weeks of life, there is essentially no IgA in the plasma of newborns. Decreased IgA concentrations occur in primary immunodeficiency conditions as well as in secondary immune insufficiences. Increased IgA concentrations occur due to polyclonal or oligoclonal immunoglobulin proliferation. In serum, IgA exists in monomeric and polymeric forms. Monoclonal immunoglobulinemia requires detailed differential diagnostic investigation in addition to the quantitative determination
Methodology
Beckman AU/Dx Series
CPT Code
82784
Last Updated
27-NOV-24 MS