Immunoglobulin A - (IgA)
How to prepare
You can eat and drink normally before the test.
No special preparation needed.
Tell our phlebotomist about any medicines you take. Don't stop them without asking your doctor.
Wear a loose sleeve so the sample can be taken easily from your arm.
How it works
About this test
IgA is the antibody that protects the lining of the nose, throat, lungs and gut. This test measures its level in blood.
Why is this test done?
- Look into repeated infections
- Check for IgA deficiency before celiac disease tests
- Investigate raised proteins or liver disease
Symptoms — when should you get tested?
- Frequent sinus, chest or gut infections
- Long-lasting diarrhoea
- Allergies
Normal range
Reference ranges differ slightly between labs, methods, age and sex. Always discuss your report with your doctor.
If your result is high
High IgA is seen in long-standing infections, liver disease and some immune conditions.
Common reasons- Liver cirrhosis
- Chronic infections
- Autoimmune disease
- IgA myeloma
If your result is low
Low IgA can cause repeated infections and can make celiac antibody tests falsely negative.
Common reasons- Selective IgA deficiency (common, often mild)
- Protein-losing conditions
- Some medicines
How is the test done?
- 1Book online
Choose your slot for home collection or a visit to our centre.
- 2Blood sample taken
A trained phlebotomist takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm with a sealed, single-use needle. It takes about 2 minutes.
- 3Tested in our lab
Your barcoded sample is tested on automated machines with strict quality checks.
- 4Report on WhatsApp
A pathologist checks the result and the report reaches you on WhatsApp and email.
Frequently asked questions
No fasting is needed for this test. You can eat and drink normally.
Your report is usually ready in 24-48 hrs after the sample reaches our lab. We send it on WhatsApp and email, and you can also download it from the Reports page.
Please call our team to confirm whether home sample collection is available for your location and test.
This test needs a blood sample. No special preparation needed.