Immunoglobulin A (IgA) in Serum or Plasma
This test measures the amount of Immunoglobulin A (IgA), a type of antibody in your blood. IgA helps protect your body against infections and is important for immune function.
["IgA levels help assess immune health and detect potential deficiencies or abnormalities."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 105984-9
- Short code
- IgA kappa Ser Ql IFE
- Synonyms
- IgA kappa Ser Ql IFE
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- immunofixation
- CPT
- 82784
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may order an IgA test if you have symptoms like frequent infections, immune system issues, or if they suspect conditions like IgA deficiency, autoimmune diseases, or certain types of allergies. It may also be part of a routine check-up or to monitor a known condition.
What Does the Test Involve?
A small blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The blood is then sent to a lab for analysis. The test measures the concentration of IgA in your serum or plasma.
What Are Common Uses?
IgA tests are often used to diagnose or monitor conditions affecting the immune system, such as IgA deficiency, certain autoimmune diseases, or to check for immune responses in people with chronic illnesses.
What Are Possible Results?
Results can vary based on individual health, age, and other factors. While specific reference ranges may differ by lab, low IgA levels may indicate immune deficiencies, while very high levels could suggest certain immune disorders or conditions like multiple myeloma.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
IgA plays a critical role in protecting mucosal surfaces (like the respiratory and digestive tracts) from infections. Low IgA levels can increase susceptibility to infections and may require further evaluation for conditions like primary immunodeficiency. High IgA levels can sometimes be associated with autoimmune diseases or other systemic conditions and should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Short name
IgA Level
Frequently asked questions
How is IgA Test Different from Other Antibody Tests?
What Does It Mean If My IgA Level Is Low?
Can Diet or Supplements Affect IgA Levels?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy