Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) Antibody (IgA) Most Popular

The Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) Antibody (IgA) test contains 1 test with 1 biomarker.

Brief Description: The Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) IgA Antibody test is a blood test used to help diagnose celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. This test measures the level of specific antibodies called IgA antibodies directed against tissue transglutaminase, an enzyme that plays a role in the body's response to gluten. The test is highly sensitive and specific for celiac disease and is often one of the initial tests performed when evaluating individuals suspected of having this condition.

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: No preparation required

When and Why the Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody Test May Be Ordered:

The tTG IgA Antibody test may be ordered when a person shows symptoms or has risk factors suggestive of celiac disease, such as chronic gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating), unexplained weight loss, iron deficiency anemia, or a family history of celiac disease. It is also recommended for individuals with certain autoimmune conditions that are associated with an increased risk of celiac disease, such as type 1 diabetes, autoimmune thyroid diseases, or Down syndrome.

What the Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody Test Checks For:

The tTG IgA Antibody test checks for the presence and level of IgA antibodies against tissue transglutaminase in the blood. In individuals with celiac disease, the ingestion of gluten triggers an abnormal immune response in the small intestine, leading to the production of these specific antibodies. The antibodies attack the tissue transglutaminase enzyme, causing damage to the lining of the small intestine and resulting in the characteristic symptoms of celiac disease.

Other Lab Tests That May Be Ordered Alongside the Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody Test:

When a tTG-IgA test is ordered, it's often part of a broader evaluation for celiac disease and related conditions. Here are some tests commonly ordered alongside it:

1. Total Serum IgA:

   • Purpose: To measure the level of Immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the blood.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To check for IgA deficiency, which can affect the accuracy of the tTG-IgA test. Individuals with IgA deficiency may require different tests for celiac disease diagnosis.

2. Endomysial Antibody (EMA) Test:

   • Purpose: To detect antibodies that target the endomysium, a part of the tissue surrounding muscle fibers.
   • Why Is It Ordered: EMA is another specific antibody for celiac disease. It's often used to confirm a positive tTG-IgA test, especially in ambiguous cases.

3. Deamidated Gliadin Peptide (DGP) Antibody, IgA and IgG:

   • Purpose: To detect antibodies against deamidated gliadin peptides, which are formed during the processing of gluten.
   • Why Is It Ordered: Useful in diagnosing celiac disease, especially in individuals with IgA deficiency or in young children.

4. HLA-DQ Typing:

   • Purpose: To test for genetic markers associated with celiac disease.
   • Why Is It Ordered: Almost all people with celiac disease carry these genetic markers. While not diagnostic, their absence can help rule out celiac disease.

5. Complete Blood Count (CBC):

   • Purpose: Provides a broad picture of overall blood health.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To detect signs of anemia or other blood cell abnormalities that might be caused by nutrient malabsorption in celiac disease.

6. Vitamin and Mineral Levels (such as Iron, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Folate):

   • Purpose: To measure levels of various vitamins and minerals.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To assess for deficiencies common in celiac disease due to malabsorption.

7. Liver Function Test:

   • Purpose: To assess liver health.
   • Why Is It Ordered: Celiac disease can be associated with liver enzyme abnormalities.

These tests, when ordered alongside a Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody test, provide a comprehensive view of an individual’s status with regard to celiac disease. They are crucial for diagnosing celiac disease, assessing its severity, checking for common associated conditions, and ruling out other potential causes of symptoms. The specific combination of tests will depend on the individual's symptoms, medical history, and the results of initial screenings.

Conditions or Diseases That Would Require a Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody Test:

The Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody test is primarily used to diagnose celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder characterized by an abnormal immune response to gluten. Celiac disease can lead to damage in the small intestine, malabsorption of nutrients, and various gastrointestinal and systemic symptoms.

How Health Care Providers Use the Results of a Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody Test:

The results of the tTG IgA Antibody test, along with other diagnostic criteria, help health care providers in the following ways:

1. Diagnosis of Celiac Disease: A positive tTG IgA Antibody test, along with compatible symptoms and other supportive evidence, can confirm the diagnosis of celiac disease.

2. Determination of Gluten Sensitivity: The test can identify individuals who are sensitive to gluten, even in the absence of celiac disease.

3. Monitoring Treatment and Compliance: After a diagnosis of celiac disease, the test may be used to monitor the response to a gluten-free diet and assess patient compliance with dietary restrictions.

In conclusion, the Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) IgA Antibody test is a valuable tool in diagnosing celiac disease. It checks for the presence of specific antibodies against tissue transglutaminase, which are associated with the autoimmune response triggered by gluten ingestion in individuals with celiac disease. Health care providers use the test results, along with other diagnostic criteria, to confirm the diagnosis, initiate appropriate management, and monitor the response to treatment in individuals suspected of having celiac disease.

Most Common Questions About the Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody test:

Understanding the Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody Test

What is the Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody test?

The Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody test, also known as tTG-IgA test, is a blood test used primarily to help diagnose celiac disease. The test measures levels of antibodies to tissue transglutaminase (tTG), an enzyme found in the body.

What is the purpose of the Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody test?

The tTG-IgA test is used to identify individuals who may have celiac disease. These antibodies are usually higher in people with untreated celiac disease because their immune system mistakenly targets their own body tissue, specifically the enzyme tissue transglutaminase.

When is the Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody test ordered?

The tTG-IgA test is usually ordered when a person exhibits symptoms that suggest celiac disease, such as chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. It may also be ordered when an individual has other autoimmune conditions like type 1 diabetes or autoimmune thyroid disease.

How often should I have the Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody test?

If you're diagnosed with celiac disease, your healthcare provider may use the tTG-IgA test to monitor your response to a gluten-free diet. Once you have adopted a strict gluten-free diet, the test would not be performed regularly, but might be repeated if symptoms recur.

Interpreting Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody Test Results

What does a high tTG-IgA level indicate?

A high level of tTG-IgA antibodies in your blood could mean that you have celiac disease. However, additional testing is usually needed to confirm the diagnosis, as other conditions can sometimes cause positive results.

What does a low tTG-IgA level indicate?

A low or normal level of tTG-IgA antibodies typically indicates that it's unlikely you have celiac disease. However, the tTG-IgA test can be negative in about 2-5% of individuals with celiac disease.

Can the Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody test give false positive results?

Yes, certain conditions other than celiac disease, such as type 1 diabetes, autoimmune liver disease, and rheumatoid arthritis, can cause a positive tTG-IgA test.

Can the Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody test give false negative results?

Yes, some people with celiac disease may test negative because they produce a different class of antibodies, IgG, instead of IgA. This is often the case in individuals with selective IgA deficiency.

Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody Test and Specific Conditions

Can the Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody test diagnose non-celiac gluten sensitivity?

The tTG-IgA test is not used to diagnose non-celiac gluten sensitivity. This condition is usually diagnosed based on symptoms and their improvement on a gluten-free diet.

Can the Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody test diagnose other types of autoimmune diseases?

While the tTG-IgA test is most commonly used to diagnose celiac disease, elevated levels may occasionally be seen in other autoimmune conditions. However, it's not specific or sensitive enough to be a reliable diagnostic test for other autoimmune diseases.

Can the Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody test diagnose dermatitis herpetiformis?

Dermatitis herpetiformis is a skin manifestation of celiac disease. Patients with this condition often have elevated tTG-IgA levels. A skin biopsy, however, is typically needed for confirmation.

Can the Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody test predict the risk of developing celiac disease?

People with certain genetic variants are at a higher risk of developing celiac disease, and many of these individuals will have elevated tTG-IgA levels before they show symptoms. However, not everyone with elevated tTG-IgA will develop celiac disease.

How does the Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody test relate to the endomysial antibody (EMA) test?

The tTG-IgA and EMA tests are both used in the diagnosis of celiac disease. They tend to be highly specific, meaning if you're positive, it's very likely you have the disease. However, the tTG-IgA test tends to be used more frequently because it's easier and less expensive to perform.

General Questions About the Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody Test

Can the Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody test be used to monitor the effectiveness of a gluten-free diet?

Yes, after a diagnosis of celiac disease, tTG-IgA levels can be monitored to gauge how well the body is responding to a gluten-free diet. Levels should decrease once gluten is removed from the diet.

Can I have a normal Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody test result and still have celiac disease?

Yes, it's possible. This is most often the case in individuals who are deficient in IgA. In such cases, a different test, the tTG-IgG, may be used instead.

What is the difference between the Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody test and the deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP) test?

Both tests are used to help diagnose celiac disease. The tTG-IgA test measures the body's response to tissue transglutaminase, while the DGP test measures the response to a specific gluten fragment. They may be used together as part of a celiac disease panel.

Is the Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody test used to diagnose gluten ataxia?

Gluten ataxia, a neurological condition linked to gluten sensitivity, can be associated with positive tTG-IgA. However, diagnosis usually also involves neurological evaluation and imaging.

Can the Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody test be used in pregnancy?

Yes, it can be safely used in pregnancy. In fact, if a pregnant woman has symptoms suggestive of celiac disease, it's important to test for it, as untreated celiac disease can lead to complications like low birth weight and preterm birth.

Can the Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody test be used in people with Down syndrome?

Yes, individuals with Down syndrome have a higher prevalence of celiac disease. The tTG-IgA test can be used to screen these individuals, even if they don't show symptoms.

Can the Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody test detect silent celiac disease?

Yes, the tTG-IgA test can detect celiac disease even in people who have no obvious symptoms. This is sometimes called "silent" celiac disease.

Can the Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody test differentiate between celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

While the symptoms of IBS and celiac disease can overlap, the tTG-IgA test can help differentiate between the two. A positive tTG-IgA suggests celiac disease, not IBS.

How does the Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody test compare to genetic testing for celiac disease?

Genetic testing can identify individuals who have an increased risk of developing celiac disease, but it can't determine whether someone currently has the disease. The tTG-IgA test can help diagnose current celiac disease.

How does the Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody test compare to the intestinal biopsy for celiac disease diagnosis?

The tTG-IgA test is less invasive than an intestinal biopsy and is often used as a first-line test. However, a biopsy is considered the gold standard for diagnosing celiac disease and may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Can the Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody test be used to monitor recovery from celiac disease?

Yes, the tTG-IgA test can be used to monitor the effectiveness of a gluten-free diet and recovery from the disease. However, it's not the only tool. Symptom improvement and regular follow-up with a healthcare provider are also important.

Are there any conditions that may affect the Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody test results?

Yes, conditions that affect IgA levels, such as selective IgA deficiency, can affect the results. Additionally, individuals with other autoimmune diseases may have elevated tTG-IgA levels even if they don't have celiac disease.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.