9772. Secretory immunoglobulin A (saliva)
Description
Secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) is a type of antibody produced by B lymphocytes and then transported by epithelial cells into extracellular secretions, protecting the oral cavity, upper respiratory tract, and intestine from invading pathogens. Secretory immunoglobulin A has been shown to be an objective indicator of stress in humans.
The utility of salivary IgA testing is to assess immune function both locally in the oral cavity and throughout the immune system. Elevated salivary IgA levels may indicate a strong immune response to an antigen or pathogen, while decreased levels are associated with an increased risk of contracting acute respiratory viral infections. Changes in salivary IgA are used to monitor athletes during training to assess their susceptibility to exercise or to examine children who are frequently ill as an indicator of susceptibility to infections and dental caries.
When and who needs the test?
- upper respiratory tract infections
- periodontal disease, dental caries
- ENT infections
- cytomegalovirus infection
- yeast infection in the mouth, eyes, or digestive tract (thrush)
- chronic (long-term) infections
- Sjogren's syndrome
- monitoring athletes during training
- measuring the impact of stress on the immune system
- multiple sclerosis
- diagnosis of mental disorders.
To determine individual salivary IgA ranges, age and salivary flow rate must be taken into account.
Biological material
- Saliva
Saliva preparation rules: hormones
- do not perform dental treatment for 48 hours prior to collection;
- do not consume alcohol for 24 hours;
- do not brush your teeth 2 hours before collection;
- do not eat, smoke or drink anything for 30 minutes before collecting the sample;
- avoid contact with lipstick;
- avoid samples contaminated with blood (even...