Tissue transglutaminase antibody (tTG), IgA, is the primary test ordered to screen for celiac disease. It is the most sensitive and specific blood test for celiac disease and is the single test preferred by the American College of Gastroenterology, according to its 2013 guidelines, as well as the American Gastroenterology Association for the detection of celiac disease in those over the age of 2 years.
Studies have demonstrated that IgA endomysial antibody tests have >99% specificity for gluten-sensitive enteropathy. Recently, the endomysial antigen has been identified as the protein cross-linking enzyme known as tissue transglutaminase (tTG).
tTG IgA is used for:
- Evaluating patients suspected of having celiac disease, including patients with compatible clinical symptoms, patients with atypical symptoms, and individuals at increased risk (family history, previous diagnosis with associated disorder, positivity for HLA DQ2 and/or DQ8)
- Screening test for dermatitis herpetiformis, in conjunction with endomysial antibody test
- Monitoring adherence to gluten-free diet in patients with dermatitis herpetiformis and celiac disease
LC Sample ReportQD Sample Report
Test Code(s):
164640, 8821
Also Known As:
Celiac Disease; tTG Antibody; Transglutaminase; Tissue Antibody IgA; Dermatitis Herpetiformis; tTG IgA; IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase; IgA Anti-tTG
Preparation:
No special preparation required.
Test Results:
4-10 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
