Test Code EMA Endomysial Antibodies (IgA), Serum
Reporting Name
Endomysial Abs, S (IgA)Useful For
Diagnosis of dermatitis herpetiformis and celiac disease
Monitoring adherence to gluten-free diet in patients with dermatitis herpetiformis and celiac disease
Because of the high specificity of endomysial antibodies for celiac disease, the test may obviate the need for multiple small bowel biopsies to verify the diagnosis. This may be particularly advantageous in the pediatric population, including the evaluation of children with failure to thrive.
Testing Algorithm
If EMA / Endomysial Antibodies (IgA), Serum is positive or indeterminate, EMAT / Endomysial (IgA), Titer, Serum will be performed at an additional charge.
The following algorithms are available in Special Instructions:
-Celiac Disease Comprehensive Cascade
-Celiac Disease Diagnostic Testing Algorithm
-Celiac Disease Gluten-Free Cascade
Performing Laboratory

Specimen Type
SerumAdvisory Information
-CDCOM / Celiac Disease Comprehensive Cascade: complete testing including HLA DQ
-CDSP / Celiac Disease Serology Cascade: complete testing excluding HLA DQ
-CDGF / Celiac Disease Gluten-Free Cascade: for patients already adhering to a gluten-free diet
To order individual tests, see Celiac Disease Diagnostic Testing Algorithm in Special Instructions.
Specimen Required
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red Top
Specimen Volume: 2 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume
Adults: 1 mL
Pediatric: 0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days | |
Frozen | 30 days | ||
Ambient | 14 days |
Special Instructions
Reference Values
Negative in normal individuals; also negative in dermatitis herpetiformis or celiac disease patients adhering to gluten-free diet.
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
Monday through Friday; 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
Test Classification
This test has been modified from the manufacturer's instructions. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
86255-screen
86256-titer (if appropriate)
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
EMA | Endomysial Abs, S (IgA) | 46126-9 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
9360 | Endomysial Ab | 46126-9 |
Reject Due To
Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Gross lipemia | Reject |
Gross icterus | Reject |
Method Name
Staining of Rhesus Monkey Esophagus Substrate by Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) for IgA Endomysial Antibodies (EMA)
Reflex Tests
Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
---|---|---|---|
EMAT | EMA Titer, S (IgA) | No | No |
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Gastroenterology and Hepatology Client Test Request (T728) with the specimen.