Endomysial Antibody, IgA

The Endomysial Antibody, IgA (EMA IgA) test measures the presence and levels of EMA IgA antibodies in the blood. The detection of IgA-endomysial antibodies helps in the diagnosis of dermatitis herpetiformis and celiac disease. It is also useful for monitoring adherence to the gluten-free diet, as levels of the antibody typically decrease in response to the elimination of gluten from the diet. The test is done on patients suffering from suspected Celiac disease. Almost 100% of people with active celiac disease and 70% of those with dermatitis herpetiformis (another gluten-sensitive condition that causes an itchy, burning, blistering rash on the skin) will have the IgA class of anti-EMA antibodies. If EMA IgA antibodies are present in high levels, it is strongly indicative of celiac disease. Some common symptoms that may warrant testing for celiac disease with the EMA IgA serum test include abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, malabsorption, and malnutrition which may lead to weight loss, and fatigue. Other symptoms include skin rash, joint pain & inflammation, unexplained iron deficiency anemia, and delayed growth and puberty due to malnutrition.

Please note: This is an outsourced test. The sample for this test is collected by TATA 1MG and processed at a NABL accredited partnered lab.