Anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA), IgA

We remind you that independent interpretation of the results is unacceptable, the information provided below is for reference purposes only.

Anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies, IgA (ASCA IgA) are antibodies directed against certain components of the cell wall of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

ASCA may be detected in a proportion of patients with Crohn's disease, one of the main forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Measurement of ASCA IgA may be used as an additional serological test when evaluating patients with suspected inflammatory bowel disease.

The presence of ASCA is not specific to Crohn's disease and is not sufficient on its own to establish a diagnosis. The result should be interpreted in conjunction with symptoms, medical history and the results of other investigations.

Indications

Testing for ASCA IgA may be recommended in the following cases:

• Suspected inflammatory bowel disease - particularly in the presence of persistent symptoms such as abdominal pain, chronic diarrhoea or changes in bowel habits.
• Differential diagnosis - the test may contribute to differentiating Crohn's disease from ulcerative colitis when interpreted together with other clinical findings and investigations.
• Clarification of an uncertain clinical picture - as part of a comprehensive evaluation when the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease remains unclear.

Test method

Immunoassay - determination of IgA antibodies against Saccharomyces cerevisiae antigens (ASCA IgA) in blood serum.

Procedure

A venous blood sample is collected, usually from a vein in the antecubital area.

Blood collection takes a few minutes and is performed by a healthcare professional. After the procedure, mild tenderness, a small bruise or minor bleeding may occur at the puncture site; these usually resolve spontaneously.

Sources:

https://www.testing.com/tests/anti-saccharomyces-cerevisiae-antibodies-asca/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/anti-saccharomyces-cerevisiae-antibody
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti%E2%80%93Saccharomyces_cerevisiae_antibody
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1808965/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23292495/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4716040/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7539584/

IMPORTANT!

It is crucial to remember that the information provided here is not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. If you experience any symptoms or a flare-up of a condition, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Only a qualified specialist can make an accurate diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment plan. For the most accurate and consistent evaluation of test results, it is recommended to have them performed at the same laboratory. Different laboratories may use varying methods and units of measurement for similar tests, which can affect the interpretation of the results.