Immunoglobulin A Assay Kit (IgA)
The immunoglobulin A assay kit is used for the quantitative determination of IgA in serum
IgA accounts for 10 to 15% of the total Immunoglobulin in serum. In its’ monomeric form the structure of IgA is similar to that of IgG but 10% of IgA in serum is polymeric particularly IgA 2 which is more resistant to destruction by some pathogenic bacteria in IgA 1. Possibly the most important form of IgA is called secretory IgA found in tears, sweat, saliva, milk, colistrum and G.I. and bronchial secretions. Increased polyclonal IgA levels may occur in chronic liver diseases, chronic infections auto immune disorders and sarcoidosis. Monoclonal IgA increases in IgA mylomia. Decreased levels of IgA are observed and acquired congenital immuno deficiency disease. Reduced levels can be caused also by protein losing gastro enteropathies and loss through the skin from burns.
This assay is based on the reaction between IgA antigen and anti-IgA antibody. This reaction forms an insoluble complex producing a turbidity, which is measured spectrophotometrically. The amount of complex formed is directly proportional to the amount of IgA in the sample.
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