Immunoglobulin A (IgA), Blood

Immunoglobulins are special proteins that the body makes in order to fight foreign particles and infections. All antibodies are immunoglobulins. There are different types of immunoglobulins. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is one of the most abundant immunoglobulins in the body and is found mostly in the secretions of the mucous membranes and gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. This test measures the amount of IgA in the blood which can help in the diagnosis of disease like rheumatoid arthritis, monoclonal gammopathy and multiple myeloma.

This test is performed in following conditions such as:

• Mild fever
• Body rash
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Red or inflamed eyes
• Aching joints
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Anemia
• Kidney damage