IgA Antibodies

Immunology

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Description

Deficiency of immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the commonest primary immunodeficiency disease affecting humans. A subpopulation of IgA deficient people have anti-IgA antibodies. Some of these patients may be at risk of serious or life threatening reactions to transfused blood or blood products that contain IgA. These reactions are frequently anaphylactic in nature and are often associated with anti-IgA antibodies. Notably, serious reactions in the absence of detected anti-IgA antibody have also been reported [1].

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Indications

To delineate a subgroup of IgA deficient patients who may be at risk of serum sickness like reaction if given infusions of blood products containing IgA.

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Sample Type

2mL Serum (Gel 5mL Yellow). Requests from outside Sheffield: Transport at ambient temperature via Royal Mail or Courier.

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Reference Range

Negative.

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Turnaround Time

Within 2 weeks

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Testing Frequency

Weekly (send away test).

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Patient Preparation

None

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References

Eijkhout HW, van den Broek PJ, and van der Meer JW. Substitution therapy in immunodeficient patients with anti-IgA antibodies or severe adverse reactions to previous immunoglobulin therapy. Neth J Med. 2003. 61(6):213-217. [Ref 1] Cable R, et al. Practice guidelines for blood transfusion. 2nd Edition. 2007. American National Red Cross.

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See Also

Immunoglobulins.

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