Anti TB Antibodies IgA
Also known as Anti Tb Antibodies Iga Elisa BloodWhat is this test?
This test is used to find out the TB antibodies IgA in the blood.
What are antibodies and their actions?
Antibodies are the protective proteins produced by the immune system and known as immunoglobulins. Antibodies are produced when any foreign substance or virus or bacteria enters the body. These foreign substances are known as antigens. Antibodies recognize and attach to the antigens in order to remove them from the body. There are five (5) subtypes of antibodies and they are IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, IgE.
IgG provides long-term protection as it presents in the circulation for a long period after the presence of an antigen. IgM enhances the ingestion of cells by phagocytosis. IgA is also the first defense for intestine, lungs, and nose. They bind antigens to the microbes before they invade tissues and keeps antigens in secretion and when secretion is expelled, antigens are also expelled. IgD helps in the induction of antibody production and presents on the surface of B-cells. IgE binds to the basophils and mast cells.
What is Tuberculosis and Tb Antibodies?
Tuberculosis TB is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis MTB. Generally, TB affects the lungs and sometimes it can also affect other organs and parts of the body. MTB is airborne and can spread through the air from one person to another. Individuals who are suffering from TB may experience symptoms such as cough which lasts more than 2-3 weeks, cough with blood, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, weight loss, fever, night sweats, etc.
Tuberculosis TB antibodies are the antibodies produced by the immune system of an individual who is suffering from tuberculosis.
Why This test Is Performed?
This test is performed to check the presence of TB antibodies IgA in the blood. The doctor may ask you to undergo this test if you are suffering from symptoms such as long-lasting cough, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, weight loss, fever, etc.
If you are on treatment for tuberculosis then, the doctor may ask you to perform this test to evaluate and to check the effectiveness of the treatment and TB antibodies IgA levels in the blood. Mostly, this test is done along with other tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Precautions:
Some medications may change the test results and hence you are advised to inform all your current medications to the doctor prior to the test.
Test Preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Anti TB Antibodies IgA. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Anti TB Antibodies IgA.
There are no specific preparations required for this test.
Understanding your test results
The test results may be different depending on gender, age, health conditions, and other factors.
If the test results are negative it may indicate that there are no TB antibodies IgA and not suffering from tuberculosis.
In case the test results are positive it may indicate that there are TB antibodies IgA and suffering from tuberculosis.
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| MALE | All age groups | The antibodies are positive in case of Tuberculosis, IgA indicates persistent infection |
| FEMALE | All age groups | The antibodies are positive in case of Tuberculosis, IgA indicates persistent infection |