Total IgA levels: what's normal, high and low
An antibody that defends mucosal surfaces (gut, airways). Used to evaluate immune deficiencies and validate other antibody tests.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
Total IgA is measured with a standard blood draw; no fasting is needed. A typical reference range is 70.0 – 400 mg/dL. At TestWell it's $124.99 all-in as Celiac Disease Panel, results in 3–7 business days, drawn at Quest. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.
- Units
- mg/dL
- Sample
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- Not required
- Results
- 3–7 business days
- Price
- $124.99
- Labs
- Quest · BioReference in NY/NJ
Total IgA Reference Range
These are the typical adult reference ranges used by major US labs. Your report will include the specific range used by the lab that processed your sample.
| Population | Range |
|---|---|
| age 18+ | 70.0 – 400 mg/dL |
Reference ranges are educational. Always interpret your result with the specific range printed on your lab report and discuss anything outside the range with a clinician.
Have a result in hand? analyze it with your AI assistant using these reviewed ranges, or run it through our explainer. Tools: look up another marker's range · convert lab units
What your Total IgA result may mean
IgA deficiency can affect interpretation of other antibody tests (like tTG-IgA for celiac).
What a low Total IgA means: causes, symptoms, next steps ↓Educational only — not a diagnosis. Many factors can influence a single result. Discuss anything that concerns you with a healthcare provider.
What does a high Total IgA mean?
High total IgA reflects chronic immune stimulation — liver disease (alcohol-related and cirrhosis are classic), chronic infections, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, IgA nephropathy — or, when very high with other abnormal proteins, an IgA-type multiple myeloma. Mild elevations are common and need context rather than alarm.
Common causes of a high Total IgA
- Alcohol-related liver disease, cirrhosis
- Chronic infections (skin, gut, respiratory), HIV
- Inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, IgA nephropathy, celiac disease
- IgA multiple myeloma or MGUS (usually with other protein abnormalities)
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- None from IgA itself
What clinicians usually check next
- Liver panel, CRP, urinalysis (blood/protein for IgA nephropathy)
- Serum protein electrophoresis with immunofixation if markedly high or with anemia, bone pain or kidney changes
Follow-up tests at TestWell: C-Reactive Protein (CRP) ($26.99).
Does high IgA mean I have an autoimmune disease?
Not by itself. Liver disease and chronic infections are more common causes. It is a prompt to look at the liver and kidneys and for a monoclonal protein when very high.
Educational only — not a diagnosis. A single result outside the range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician.
What does a low Total IgA mean?
Low total IgA — including selective IgA deficiency, the most common primary immune deficiency at about 1 in 500 people — is often found by accident and often harmless, though it can mean more sinus and chest infections, and it matters for celiac testing: the standard tTG-IgA test reads falsely normal when IgA is low, so IgG-based celiac tests are used instead. Some medications and protein-losing conditions lower it too.
Common causes of a low Total IgA
- Selective IgA deficiency (inherited)
- Common variable immunodeficiency and other primary immune deficiencies
- Medications: some anticonvulsants, sulfasalazine, gold, penicillamine
- Protein-losing conditions, nephrotic syndrome
- Children under 4 (normal developmental low)
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- Often none
- Recurrent sinus, ear and chest infections, chronic diarrhea
- Higher rates of celiac disease and autoimmune conditions
What clinicians usually check next
- If testing for celiac: tTG-IgG or deamidated gliadin IgG instead of the IgA test
- IgG and IgM; immunology referral if infections are frequent or IgG is also low
- Inform clinicians before any blood transfusion (rare anti-IgA reactions)
Why does low IgA affect my celiac test?
The usual celiac screen measures an IgA antibody. If you make little IgA overall, the test comes back low even with celiac disease. Labs run IgG-based tests instead when total IgA is low.
Educational only — not a diagnosis. A single result outside the range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician.
How do you get a Total IgA test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. Total IgA is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Celiac Disease Panel | This marker only | $124.99 |
| Gut Health Panel | 5 tests | $129.99 |
| Men's Total Body Advanced Panel | 65 tests | $999.99 |
| Women's Total Body Advanced Panel | 65 tests | $999.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for Total IgA: which lab should you pick?
Both are CLIA-certified national labs and the result is clinically equivalent, so pick whichever location is closer. Your report will print that lab's own reference range, which can differ slightly from the table above.
| Lab | Available | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $124.99 |
| Labcorp | No | — |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | Yes | $74.99 |
Need help choosing a location? Use the lab finder to see draw sites near your ZIP.
Related Inflammation & Autoimmune biomarkers
Markers commonly tested alongside Total IgA.
Frequently asked
What does a high Total IgA mean?
High total IgA reflects chronic immune stimulation — liver disease (alcohol-related and cirrhosis are classic), chronic infections, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, IgA nephropathy — or, when very high with other abnormal proteins, an IgA-type multiple myeloma. Mild elevations are common and need context rather than alarm.
Does high IgA mean I have an autoimmune disease?
Not by itself. Liver disease and chronic infections are more common causes. It is a prompt to look at the liver and kidneys and for a monoclonal protein when very high.
What does a low Total IgA mean?
Low total IgA — including selective IgA deficiency, the most common primary immune deficiency at about 1 in 500 people — is often found by accident and often harmless, though it can mean more sinus and chest infections, and it matters for celiac testing: the standard tTG-IgA test reads falsely normal when IgA is low, so IgG-based celiac tests are used instead. Some medications and protein-losing conditions lower it too.
Why does low IgA affect my celiac test?
The usual celiac screen measures an IgA antibody. If you make little IgA overall, the test comes back low even with celiac disease. Labs run IgG-based tests instead when total IgA is low.
Do I need a doctor's order to test my total iga?
No. TestWell's licensed physician network reviews and approves your order — usually within minutes. You can place an order online without an in-person visit or a referral from your own doctor.
How long does it take to get Total IgA results?
Most Total IgA results are available in 1–3 business days after your specimen arrives at the lab. You'll get an email the moment your results are ready, with everything viewable in your TestWell portal.
How much does a Total IgA test cost?
Our Celiac Disease Panel starts at $124.99. That's the all-in price — no copays, no insurance hoops, no surprise bills. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
Do I need to fast before my Total IgA test?
Fasting is not required for the Total IgA test. You can have your blood drawn any time of day.
Which lab will process my Total IgA test?
Your test will be processed by Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, or BioReference depending on which is closest to you and which lab carries the test. All three are CLIA-certified and trusted by hospitals nationwide. You'll choose your lab during checkout from 4,000+ locations.
Ready to test your total iga?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $124.99.