IgA blood test in Chiswick
An IgA blood test measures immunoglobulin A, the antibody that protects the lining of the gut, airways and other mucous membranes. It is booked to look at immune function and is often checked before coeliac antibody testing.
What the test measures
Immunoglobulins are antibodies, proteins made by white blood cells called plasma cells to recognise and neutralise germs. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is found in the blood but is especially important in saliva, tears, breast milk and the secretions of the gut and airways, where it forms a first line of defence at the body's surfaces.
Measuring total IgA gives an overall picture of how much of this antibody you produce. One practical use is in coeliac disease testing: the standard coeliac blood test looks for IgA-type antibodies, so a low total IgA can cause a falsely reassuring coeliac result.
The price includes the blood sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result with you, and a GP feedback report on request.
Who it is for
- You get frequent sinus, chest or gut infections and want a first look at your antibody levels.
- You are planning coeliac antibody testing and want to know your total IgA.
- You have an autoimmune or inflammatory condition and are reviewing immune markers.
- Your GP has mentioned an unusual protein or globulin result.
Understanding your result
Your report shows your IgA level with the laboratory reference range. A low IgA can be due to selective IgA deficiency, which is relatively common and often causes no symptoms, though some people have more frequent infections or allergies. Low levels can also be seen with some medicines and with conditions where protein is lost.
A raised IgA can occur with long-term infections, liver disease, some autoimmune and inflammatory conditions and, less commonly, conditions where one type of antibody is overproduced. A value outside the range is a prompt for discussion with your practitioner, who may suggest further tests or referral, not a diagnosis.
Preparing for your test
No fasting is needed for an IgA test. Tell us about any recent infections and medicines you take, especially steroids, immune-suppressing treatments and some anti-epilepsy drugs, which can lower antibody levels. Keep taking prescribed medicines unless your doctor advises otherwise.
IgA is part of Advanced GP3, alongside IgG and IgM, and of Omnia Signature. If you are looking into gluten-related symptoms, see Coeliac Antibody Check. You can also browse every blood test and price in Chiswick.
Questions
How much is an IgA test in Chiswick?
An immunoglobulin A (IgA) blood test at Omnia Lifestyle costs £49. This includes the sample at our Chiswick clinic, laboratory analysis, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request.
Why does IgA matter for coeliac testing?
The main coeliac blood test measures IgA-type antibodies. If your total IgA is low, that test can appear negative even when coeliac disease is present, so a different test may be needed.
What is IgA deficiency?
It is a condition where the body makes little or no IgA. Many people with it are well, but some have more infections or allergies. Your practitioner can explain what your result means for you.
Can an IgA test diagnose an immune disorder?
No. It is one measure of antibody levels. Immune disorders are diagnosed by a specialist using several tests and a clinical assessment.
