Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw (red-top tube or serum separator tube)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 5–10 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Early detection before symptoms appear, potentially years in advance
- High accuracy with 98% specificity and 76% sensitivity for autoimmune diabetes
- Skip the doctor visit – order directly without referrals or appointments
- Family risk assessment for relatives of people with type 1 diabetes
- Diabetes type classification to distinguish type 1 from type 2 in adults
- Confidential results delivered securely online within days
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals with family history of type 1 diabetes or autoimmune disorders
- Adults recently diagnosed with diabetes needing type classification
- People experiencing early diabetes symptoms (excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss)
- Relatives of type 1 diabetics seeking risk assessment
- Pancreas transplant recipients monitoring for potential rejection
- Health-conscious individuals wanting proactive autoimmune screening
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online – No doctor visit required, choose your preferred lab location
- Visit lab – Quick blood draw at any affiliated collection center near you
- Get results – Secure online access to results within 5-10 business days
FAQ
What does this test measure? The test detects IA-2 autoantibodies that target insulin-producing beta cells in your pancreas, indicating autoimmune activity against these cells.
How accurate is this test? The test has 98% specificity and 76% sensitivity for detecting type 1 diabetes autoimmunity, making it highly reliable for risk assessment.
What if my result is positive? A positive result indicates increased risk for type 1 diabetes and warrants consultation with an endocrinologist for further evaluation and monitoring.
Can this test diagnose diabetes? No, this test assesses risk and autoimmune activity but cannot diagnose diabetes – only blood glucose and HbA1c tests can confirm diabetes.
How long do results take? Results are typically available within 5-10 business days and delivered through secure online platforms for privacy protection.
Should I repeat this test? If positive with family history, repeat every 3-5 years; multiple positive autoantibodies may require more frequent monitoring every 6-12 months.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The IA2 Autoantibodies Test identifies individuals with increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes by detecting autoantibodies against islet antigen-2 (IA-2), a protein found in pancreatic beta cells. These autoantibodies appear months or years before clinical symptoms develop, making this test valuable for early detection and risk assessment. The test also helps distinguish between type 1 and type 2 diabetes in adults and can predict future insulin requirements (Mayo Clinic 2024).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test benefits relatives of people with type 1 diabetes, as family history increases risk significantly. Adults with recently diagnosed diabetes can use this test to determine their diabetes type, while individuals experiencing early symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, or unexplained weight loss should consider testing. Pancreas transplant recipients can monitor for potential rejection, and anyone with a family history of autoimmune disorders may benefit from screening (ADA 2025).
When should I order an IA2 Autoantibodies Blood Test?
Consider ordering if you experience symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, or persistent fatigue. The test is recommended for individuals with family history of type 1 diabetes or autoimmune disorders, those recently diagnosed with diabetes but uncertain of type, and anyone wanting proactive screening for autoimmune diabetes risk. Early testing allows for preventive measures and closer monitoring (JDRF 2024).
How do I interpret the results?
Below 7.5 U/mL
- What It Means: Negative, low risk for type 1 diabetes
- Typical Action: Continue routine health monitoring
7.5 U/mL or above
- What It Means: Positive, increased risk for type 1 diabetes
- Typical Action: Consult endocrinologist and consider additional testing
Higher values
- What It Means: May indicate faster disease progression
- Typical Action: More frequent monitoring recommended
Individuals seropositive for IA-2 antibodies have a 65.3% risk of developing type 1 diabetes within 5 years.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No special preparation or fasting is required for this test. Continue taking your regular medications unless specifically directed otherwise by your healthcare provider. Inform the laboratory if you've received radioisotopes for medical imaging within the past week, as this may affect results. The test requires a simple blood draw using a red-top tube or serum separator tube (ARUP Laboratories).
How often should I get tested?
- Single positive autoantibody with family history – Every 3–5 years
- Multiple positive autoantibodies – Every 6–12 months
- Initial negative result with high risk – Every 2–3 years
- Pancreas transplant recipients – As recommended by transplant team
Why early detection matters
Early detection of IA-2 autoantibodies allows for proactive monitoring and potential intervention before symptoms develop. With approximately 2.07 million Americans currently living with type 1 diabetes, and projections reaching 2.29 million by 2033, early identification becomes increasingly important. While 90% of type 1 diabetes cases occur in people with no known family history, testing enables lifestyle modifications, participation in prevention trials, and closer medical supervision that may delay disease progression (CDC 2024).
Related tests you may consider
Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase (GAD) Antibody Test provides complementary information as GAD65 is another major autoantigen in type 1 diabetes. Combining IA-2 and GAD65 testing significantly increases sensitivity for detecting autoimmune diabetes.
Zinc Transporter 8 (ZnT8) Autoantibody Test adds diagnostic precision targeting a different beta cell protein, with 60-80% of newly diagnosed patients showing positivity.
Insulin Autoantibody Test is particularly useful for children as these antibodies often appear first in childhood-onset cases, improving early detection when combined with IA-2 testing.
