Total IgA · high result
What does a high Total IgA mean?
Short answer
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.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
What is the normal range for Total IgA?
- age 18+: 70.0 – 400 mg/dL
Full reference table, citations and testing options: Total IgA biomarker page.
What are the common causes of 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)
What symptoms go with high Total IgA?
- None from IgA itself
What do 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 available at TestWell: C-Reactive Protein (CRP) ($26.99).
How do you recheck Total IgA?
Prices are cash-pay; every order adds one $6 lab processing fee. Physician authorization is included; no insurance or referral needed.
| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gut Health Panel | Panel · 5 tests | $129.99 | No | 3–7 business days |
| Celiac Disease Panel | Test · 5 biomarkers | $124.99 | No | 3–7 business days |
Common questions
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 content, not a diagnosis. Lab results are one input; a clinician interprets them with your history and exam.