Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) IgA Antibody

Key Aspects of the tTG-IgA Antibody Test

• Purpose: Detects celiac disease (an autoimmune reaction to gluten) and manages its follow-up.
• Significance: Elevated levels suggest active celiac disease.
• Process: Requires a blood sample from the arm.
• Preparation: Do not stop eating gluten before the test, as this can lead to false-negative results.
• Associated Conditions: Used to check for associated risks, such as type 1 diabetes or autoimmune thyroid disease.

Result Interpretation

• High Levels: Strong indication of celiac disease.
• Negative/Low: Unlikely to have celiac disease, although some individuals with IgA deficiency may have a false negative, requiring a tTG-IgG test.

Further Diagnostic Steps

• A positive tTG-IgA result is often followed by an intestinal biopsy to confirm the damage to the small intestine.

Why Test?

• Symptoms: Used to investigate abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, bloating, and unexplained weight loss.
• Follow-up: Checks that a strict gluten-free diet is reducing antibody levels.