Endomysial At (EMA)

The Endomysial At (EMA) test, offered at IntroLab in Belgrade, is essential for diagnosing gluten sensitivity-related conditions such as celiac disease (CD) and dermatitis herpetiformis (DH). The presence of anti-endomysial (EMA) IgA antibodies is closely associated with these disorders. While patients with CD and DH may have antibodies against reticulin and gliadin, EMA-IgA is the most specific marker, boasting a specificity of 94-100%.

What are Endomysial At (EMA)?

Muscles are covered by a thin layer called the endomysium. In celiac disease, antibodies are produced against this layer, known as endomysial antibodies, which belong to the IgA class. While these antibodies do not contribute to the symptoms of celiac disease, they are present in nearly 100% of people with the disease, making them a very useful marker for confirming the presence of the condition.

What is Celiac disease?

Celiac disease, also known as celiac sprue, is an autoimmune disorder. Individuals with this condition cannot digest gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, their immune system attacks and damages the lining of the small intestine.

Why is diagnosing Celiac disease important?

If left untreated, celiac disease can lead to several complications, including bone damage, neurological issues, infertility, and other autoimmune disorders. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing these complications.

How is Celiac disease treated?

The only effective treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet. By avoiding foods that contain gluten, individuals can help heal the lining of the small intestine and prevent further complications.

When should you get tested for Endomysial IgA antibodies?

This blood test is recommended for those who experience symptoms of celiac disease, including:

• Abdominal pain
• Blood in the stool
• Chronic diarrhea or constipation
• Foul-smelling fatty stools
• Vomiting
• Fatigue and weakness

How to prepare for the test?

There are no specific fasting requirements for this test, but it is recommended to continue a regular diet that includes gluten-containing foods for at least two weeks prior to testing for endomysial antibodies. Following a gluten-free diet beforehand may not provide an accurate result.

Test procedure

This is a straightforward blood test conducted in a laboratory. Once the blood is drawn, the sample is sent for analysis to check for the presence of endomysial IgA antibodies. The results are typically available within 8 days.