ANTI-ENDOMYSIAL ANTIBODIES

CLINICAL UTILITY:

Endomysial IgA antibodies are found in patients with active in gluten sensitive enteropathies (either celiac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis) but virtually no other condition. Approximately 70% of patients with dermatitis herpetiformis and over 90% of patients with active celiac disease will demonstrate endomysial IgA antibodies. A high anti-endomysial titer supports the diagnosis of celiac disease. In addition the levels of the anti-endomysial antibody parallel the response to diet. The test is thus useful in both the diagnosis of celiac disease and monitoring response to treatment with a gluten free diet. The IgA anti-endomysial antibody will disappear and reappear earlier than morphologic changes of the jejunal mucosa.

METHOD DESCRIPTION:

Anti-Endomysial Antibodies are detected in the laboratory by the indirect immunofluorescence technique.

REFERENCE RANGE:

Negative

SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS:

0.5 ml of serum is required (0.3 ml minimum). Specimen can be stored at 2-8°C for up to 48 hours, longer storage should be at -20°C or colder.