Name |
Endomysial Antibodies (IgA), EMA |
Alternative name/Profile |
Coeliac disease, Tissue Transglutaminase (Ttg) |
Department |
Immunology |
Investigation |
Indirect Immunofluorescence (Aesku Monkey Oesophagus Substrate Slides) |
Specimen type |
Clotted blood
|
Sample type |
Serum |
Sample container & volume |
5ml Red |
Frequency of analysis |
Batch Analysis, usually once weekly |
Turnaround time |
14 days |
Availability |
|
Notes |
Useful for:
- Diagnosing patients with Coeliac Disease
- Diagnosing patients with Dermatitis Herpetiformis
- Monitoring adherance to a gluten-free diet in patients diagnosed with Coeliac Disease and Dermatitis Herpetiformis
- As Endomysial Antibodies are highly specific for Coeliac disease, the test may reduce the requirement for a jejunal biopsy in paediatric patients.
Clinical Information:
- Coeliac disease is a result of inflammation, primarily in the mucosa of the small intestine, caused by the ingestion of gluten containing grains such as wheat, rye or barley in susceptible individuals.
- Genetic susceptability is associated with the HLA markers HLA DQ2 and/or HLA DQ8.
- Common clinical symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation and malabsorption which can lead to symptoms of malnutrition such as iorn deficiency, osteoporosis and failure to thrive.
- Endomysial Antibodies are present in 70-80% patients with Coeliac Disease, Dermatitis Herpetiformis and in diagnosed Coeliac patients not adhering to a gluten-free diet.
- Treatment of Coeliac Disease requires the maintenance of a gluten-free diet.
Please Note:
- Only samples that are positive for Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) IgA will have an Endomysial Antibody (IgA) test performed. This is requested by the laboratory.
- Patients suspected of having an IgA deficiency will have an Endomysial Antibody (IgG) test performed. This is requested by the laboratory.
- Occasioanlly the Endomysial Antibody test cannot be reported as positive or negative due to strong staining of the smooth muscle in the monkey oesophagus substrate.
- Where External Institiutions cannot guarantee immediate delivery, samples must be centrifuged, separated and stored at 4oC. Samples can then be transported, as soon as possible, to St. James's Hospital for processing.
|
Related links |
|
Reference range |
Neg - Negative
WP - Weak Positive
Pos - Positive |
Last updated |
Tue, 08 Mar 2022 09:21:45 GMT |
