ASCA IgA (Saccharomyces Cerevisiae)
ASCA IgA (Saccharomyces Cerevisiae)
The IgA antibody test for anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA) measures the level of IgA ASCA, a type of immune protein that is frequently found in people with inflammatory bowel disease. Crohn’s Disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC) are two of the most common inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), a group of chronic diseases characterized by inflammation and damage to tissues in and around the lining of the large intestine.
Getting this test helps differentiate between Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s disease in patients whose diagnosis is uncertain based on endoscopy, pathology, and imaging techniques
Signs and symptoms of IBD
Abdominal pain
Nausea and vomiting
Persistent or intermittent diarrhea
Fatigue
Fever
Rectal bleeding
Weight loss
Anemia
Joint and other organ-related symptoms
Delayed development in children
What is the ASCA IgA test used for?
ASCA IgA test is performed:
To help distinguish between Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC)
To monitor the progress of treatment for patients diagnosed with IBD
Test preparation
No special preparation is required for the ASCA IgA test
Interpretation of the Test Results
A positive ASCA result is not a diagnostic test for CD, UC, or IBD. It is usually performed in conjunction with the pANCA (Perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies) test.
The below table outlines the interpretation of each test result pertaining to your condition.
|
ASCA |
pANCA |
Inference |
|
Positive |
Negative |
You are likely to have Crohn’s disease (CD) |
|
Negative |
Positive |
You are likely to have Ulcerative colitis (UC) |
|
Negative |
Negative |
No IBD |
Note: The normal values for the Anti-Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Antibody (ASCA) IgA Test is < 10 Units Per Milliliter (U/mL)
Deviation from normal results indicates the following:
· Elevated levels of ASCA IgA may indicate a higher likelihood of Crohn's disease, though it is not specific to this condition
Elevated levels of pANCA may indicate the presence of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies that are associated with ulcerative colitis
FAQs
How is the sample collected for the ASCA IgA test?
A blood sample is collected from a vein in your arm using a small needle. Usually, this procedure does not take more than 5 minutes
What are the risks associated with an ASCA IgA test?
This test is relatively safe. There might be slight soreness or tenderness around the site where the blood is drawn. Rarely, the site can become infected
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for the result of the ASCA IgA test?
ASCA IgA test result is usually available within 2 working days after the sample collection. This duration may vary depending upon the diagnostic clinic
Can ASCA IgA levels change over time?
Yes, ASCA IgA levels can fluctuate. They may increase during active phases of Crohn's disease and decrease during remission. However, clinical and other diagnostic factors are also considered alongside the results
Are there other conditions that can cause elevated ASCA IgA levels?
Yes, conditions other than Crohn's disease can lead to elevated ASCA IgA levels, such as infections or other autoimmune disorders. Therefore, the test is often used in conjunction with other diagnostic tools for a comprehensive assessment
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