Doctor's Assessment Included

Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Allergy & Intolerance

Total IgA

Total IgA is essential alongside coeliac screening to ensure test reliability and provides a baseline assessment of mucosal immune function.

What It Measures

This test measures the total concentration of immunoglobulin A in your blood serum, providing an overall assessment of IgA production.

Why It Matters

IgA deficiency affects about 1 in 500 people and is essential to measure alongside coeliac antibody tests because deficiency renders these tests unreliable. Low IgA may also be associated with increased susceptibility to mucosal infections.

When to Test

Total IgA should be measured alongside coeliac disease antibody tests to validate reliability. It could also be indicated when recurrent mucosal infections are present.

Symptoms

Low Levels

Selective IgA deficiency may be asymptomatic or associated with recurrent sinusitis, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal infections. It also causes false-negative IgA-based antibody tests.

High Levels

Elevated total IgA may be seen in chronic infections, inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, IgA nephropathy, and autoimmune conditions.

Lifestyle Tips

If IgA deficiency is confirmed, inform your healthcare providers so they use IgG-based tests for coeliac screening. Practice good hygiene, stay vaccinated, and report recurrent infections promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is total IgA tested with coeliac antibodies?

Most coeliac blood tests are IgA-based. IgA deficiency makes these tests falsely negative. Measuring total IgA ensures test reliability.

Is IgA deficiency serious?

Most people with selective IgA deficiency are healthy. The main importance is knowing about it to avoid false-negative tests.

Can IgA deficiency be treated?

There is no specific treatment. Management focuses on treating infections and using alternative tests when needed.