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Immunoassay for Anti-Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Antibodies (ASCA)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures antibodies in your blood that may indicate an immune response to *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* (a type of yeast found in some foods). It’s often used to help diagnose or monitor conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Quick summary

["This test helps assess possible gut-related immune activity linked to certain digestive disorders."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
18299-8
Short code
IgA Ser Ql IFE
Synonyms
IgA 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 This Test Be Ordered?

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, or unexplained inflammation in your digestive tract. It’s sometimes used alongside other tests to support a diagnosis of conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

What Does a Positive Result Mean?

A positive result suggests your immune system may be reacting to yeast in your gut, which can be associated with inflammatory bowel diseases. However, it’s not definitive—other tests and clinical findings are needed for a full picture.

How Is This Test Performed?

A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed using an immunoassay method to detect specific antibodies against yeast antigens.

What Are Common Results and Next Steps?

If your result is positive, your provider may recommend further testing (like endoscopy or stool studies) to explore possible causes of your symptoms. A negative result doesn’t rule out IBD or other conditions, so other diagnostic steps may still be needed.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

ASCA Antibody Test

Frequently asked questions

What does this test measure?
This test measures the presence of antibodies (ASCA) that your immune system produces in response to yeast proteins. These antibodies can be linked to inflammation in the gut, which is common in certain types of IBD.
Can this test alone diagnose IBD?
No, this test is not a standalone diagnosis for IBD. It’s often used as part of a broader evaluation, including patient history, physical exams, and other tests like colonoscopy or stool samples.
How often should I get this test?
Your provider will determine the frequency based on your symptoms, medical history, and other test results. It may be done once or repeated if your condition changes or if you have ongoing symptoms.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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