Endomysial Antibody IgG Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Endomysial Antibody IgG Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | EMA IgG, IgG-EMA, Anti-Endomysial Antibody IgG, IgG Endomysial Antibody Test |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | Within 9 business days |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages, particularly individuals with IgA deficiency requiring coeliac disease testing |
| Price | Starting at ₹800 |
What Is an Endomysial Antibody IgG Test?
The Endomysial Antibody IgG test detects specific autoantibodies in the blood that are associated with coeliac disease, an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten. A blood sample drawn from a vein is used for this test. Also referred to as the IgG-EMA or EMA IgG test, it is designed specifically for patients with IgA deficiency, since standard coeliac disease antibody tests rely on IgA and may produce inaccurate results in these patients.
What Does an Endomysial Antibody IgG Test Measure?
This test looks for one specific marker in the blood. The table below explains what it is and what it indicates.
| Parameter | What It Detects |
|---|---|
| EMA IgG (Anti-Endomysial Antibody IgG) | IgG-class autoantibodies that the immune system produces in response to gluten, indicating possible coeliac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis in patients with IgA deficiency |
The IgG endomysial antibody test is ordered when a patient cannot produce sufficient IgA, making the standard IgA-based coeliac test unreliable. Testing for IgG antibodies helps fill this diagnostic gap.
Why Is an Endomysial Antibody IgG Test Done?
A doctor may request this test when symptoms suggest gluten-related illness, particularly in a patient known to have IgA deficiency.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms are among the most common reasons a doctor may order this test:
- Persistent or recurring diarrhoea or constipation
- Abdominal bloating and pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Muscle or joint aches
- Anaemia (low red blood cell count)
- Depression
- Mouth sores
- An itchy, blistering skin rash (known as dermatitis herpetiformis)
- Increased internal gas
- Fatty and foul-smelling stool
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can help identify the following conditions:
- Coeliac disease in patients with confirmed or suspected IgA deficiency
- Dermatitis herpetiformis, a skin condition linked to gluten sensitivity
- Active intestinal damage caused by ongoing gluten consumption
Endomysial Antibody IgG Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
Once a diagnosis of coeliac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis has been made, this test can be used to monitor a patient's adherence to a gluten-free diet. Antibody levels generally begin to fall within 6 to 12 months of consistently avoiding gluten. A declining titre over time suggests the diet is working, while persistently elevated levels may indicate continued gluten exposure.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing for this test is straightforward, but there is one critical step that patients often overlook.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required before this test. However, you must continue eating a normal diet that includes gluten for at least two weeks before the test. Switching to a gluten-free diet before testing can cause a false-negative result, making it appear as though no antibodies are present even when coeliac disease exists.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Here are a few steps to take before your appointment:
- Continue eating foods that contain gluten (bread, wheat-based items, rye, barley) as normal
- Do not start a gluten-free diet until a diagnosis has been confirmed by your doctor
- Inform your doctor about all medicines you are currently taking
- Drink adequate water before the blood draw to keep the veins accessible
Step-by-Step Procedure
The blood collection process is quick and causes minimal discomfort. Here is what to expect:
- A trained phlebotomist cleans the inner elbow area with an antiseptic wipe.
- An elastic band is placed around the upper arm to make the vein more visible.
- A sterile needle is gently inserted into the vein to draw a small blood sample.
- The blood is collected into a labelled tube and sealed for transport.
- The needle is removed, and a small bandage or cotton pad is placed over the site.
- The sample is dispatched to the laboratory for analysis.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence how reliable your result is:
- Following a gluten-free diet before testing (the most common cause of false-negative results)
- Unidentified IgA deficiency, which is why IgG testing is specifically used in such cases
- Certain medications, including immunosuppressants
- The presence of other autoimmune conditions
- Improper sample handling or storage during transit
Understanding Your Endomysial Antibody IgG Test Results
Your results will come as either negative or positive. A doctor must review them alongside your symptoms and medical history for proper interpretation.
| Parameter | Result | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| EMA IgG | Negative (Titre below 1:10) | No detectable IgG-class anti-endomysial antibodies; coeliac disease is less likely |
| EMA IgG | Positive (Titre at or above 1:10) | Antibodies detected; strongly suggest coeliac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
A negative result does not entirely rule out coeliac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis. Your doctor may recommend additional tests if symptoms persist.
Results During Special Conditions
Following a gluten-free diet before testing can lower antibody levels and produce a false-negative result, even in someone who has coeliac disease.
The presence of other autoimmune conditions or certain medications may also alter results.
If you have confirmed IgA deficiency, a positive IgG-EMA result carries particular diagnostic weight, since IgA deficiency itself can cause false negatives in standard coeliac tests.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general tips support overall gut health and may help manage antibody levels:
- If diagnosed with coeliac disease, follow a strict gluten-free diet as directed by your doctor
- Work with a registered dietitian to maintain balanced nutrition while eliminating gluten
- Attend regular follow-up appointments and repeat testing to track antibody trends over time
Lupin Diagnostics Endomysial Antibody IgG Test Price and Home Collection
The Endomysial Antibody IgG test is available at Lupin Diagnostics with home sample collection across major Indian cities. Prices vary by location, as shown below.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Guwahati | ₹800 |
| Mumbai | ₹800 |
| Bengaluru | ₹800 |
| Chennai | ₹800 |
| Hyderabad | ₹800 |
| Kolkata | ₹800 |
| Pune | ₹800 |
| Bhopal | ₹800 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home sample collection for the EMA IgG test across cities in India, carried out by trained and certified phlebotomists. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories. Digital reports are sent directly to you via email or WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
The EMA IgA test is the standard first-line test for coeliac disease. The EMA IgG version is used when a patient has IgA deficiency, a condition that makes IgA-based antibody tests unreliable. Your doctor will determine which test is appropriate based on your IgA levels.
No fasting is needed. The key preparation is to keep eating a diet that includes gluten for at least two weeks before the test. Avoiding gluten ahead of the test can make the results appear normal even when coeliac disease is present.
A positive result means IgG-class anti-endomysial antibodies were detected in your blood, which strongly suggests coeliac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis. A final diagnosis typically requires confirmation through an intestinal biopsy and assessment by a specialist. Your doctor will guide you on the next steps.
No. The Endomysial Antibody IgG test is not used to diagnose non-coeliac gluten sensitivity. That condition involves gluten-related symptoms without the autoimmune response that coeliac disease produces, so it cannot be identified through this type of antibody test.
The EMA test is considered one of the most specific tests for coeliac disease, with a specificity approaching 100%. This means a positive result is highly reliable. However, its sensitivity is lower than some other coeliac tests, so a negative result does not always rule out the condition.
Yes. In patients who strictly follow a gluten-free diet, antibody levels generally begin to drop within 6 to 12 months of starting dietary changes. This makes the IgG-EMA test useful not just for diagnosis but also for monitoring how well the diet is being followed over time.
The test uses an immunofluorescence method, where your blood sample is applied to tissue sections containing the target antigen. If anti-endomysial antibodies are present, they bind to the tissue and produce a visible fluorescent pattern under a microscope. This technique allows laboratory scientists to identify and measure the antibody titre.
Endomysial Antibody IgG Test: Booking, Price, and Results
