The EMA-IgA blood test is one of five celiac disease blood tests commonly used to diagnose celiac disease.
EMA stands for antiendomysial antibodies, which are antibodies produced by the body that attack the body's own tissue. IgA, or immunoglobulin A, is a common type of antibody produced by your body. Its job is to help the body identify and fight foreign invaders such as environmental toxins, bacteria and viruses.
The EMA-IgA test is considered the most accurate blood test for celiac disease, and when the EMA-IgA is positive, the patient almost certainly has celiac disease. However, the test also can produce false negative results in patients with celiac disease but only partial villous atrophy.
Sources:
Celiac Disease Frequently Asked Questions. University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research. Accessed Feb. 14, 2011.
Serologic and Genetic Testing. Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University. Accessed Feb. 14, 2011.
