Serum Amyloid A
Serum amyloid A (SAA) is the constituent protein in AA amyloid deposits and is an acute phase inflammatory protein. AA amyloidosis is strongly associated with chronic inflammation. The most common underlying inflammatory disorders in the “First World” are the chronic inflammatory arthritides followed by the “idiopathic” group then infectious diseases2. In up to 20%-27% of cases, no inflammatory cause is found. Obesity is an emerging associated condition in this “idiopathic” group3.
Serum amyloid A testing measures the amount of inflammation in the body. This is used to assist with the diagnosis and management of AA amyloidosis, and in general is not needed in the investigation and management of other types of amyloidosis.
Westmead Children’s Hospital
Address
Westmead Children’s Hospital
Immunology Laboratory
Hawkesbury Rd
Westmead, NSW, Australia, 2145
Phone 02 9845 3323
Fax 02 9845 3324
Test specifications
Serum Amyloid A Level
Performed by nephelometry
Specimen requirements
At least 500ul of serum
Can be stored for no more than 8 days at 2-8 degrees C or stored frozen for up to three months if frozen within 24 hours after collection.
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Turnaround time
14 days
Cost
≅$40
This test is not Medicare rebated
