Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody - IgA
Understanding Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody - IgA
What is Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody - IgA?
The tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG-IgA) test is a blood test used to diagnose celiac disease. Celiac disease results from an immune-mediated inflammatory process that damages the small intestine. This disease is triggered by eating gluten in diet.
The tTG-IgA test is advised if you have symptoms suggestive of celiac disease such as pain in the abdomen, diarrhea, and weight loss, or if you have a family history of celiac disease. It is also done to check for treatment efficacy for celiac disease in some cases.
This test is the most sensitive test for celiac disease for both kids older than 3 years as well as adults.
What is Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody - IgA used for?
The tissue transglutaminase antibody - IgA test is done:
In case of symptoms of celiac disease such as chronic diarrhea, bloating, pain in the abdomen, anemia, and weight loss
If an infant is irritable for a long time
If an infant is not growing at a normal rate
In case of a family history of celiac disease
In patients undergoing treatment for celiac disease
What does Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody - IgA measure?
The tissue transglutaminase antibody - IgA test measures self-generated antibodies present in the blood which are produced by the body in response to autoimmune disorders such as celiac disease and other gluten-sensitive conditions. In celiac disease, an inappropriate immune response is generated to counter the presence of gluten. Gluten is a protein which is found in wheat, rye, and barley.
Due to the immune response produced by the body, there is inflammation of the small intestine which leads to damage and destruction of the villi that lines the walls of the intestine. Villi are finger-like structures present in the small intestine. These are responsible for increasing the surface area of the intestine and help in digestion of food. They allow various nutrients, vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, and fluids to be absorbed into the body.
If a person suffering from celiac disease get exposed to gluten content, the body in response starts producing antibodies. These antibodies cause inflammation which damages the villi. This damage will further impact the body’s ability to absorb food. In such conditions, the body begins to develop signs and symptoms which are associated with malnutrition and malabsorption.
Interpreting Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody - IgA results
Interpretations
Result (In Units) | Interpretation |
<20 | Negative |
20-30 | Weak Positive |
>30 | Positive |
Reference range may vary from lab to lab*
A positive anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody IgA test usually indicates celiac disease
A negative test usually means that symptoms are not likely due to celiac disease. If the person being tested has not consumed any gluten for several weeks or months prior to the test, then the test may show false-negative results
All antibody tests for celiac disease are usually followed by an intestinal biopsy which is the gold standard for diagnosis of this condition
Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody - IgA
Frequently Asked Questions about Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody - IgA
Q. Is there any preparation required before the Tissue Transglutamianse Antibody-IgA test?
Q. Which foods contain gluten?
Q. Does celiac disease fade away with time?
Q. How is the blood sample taken?
Q. Is there any risk associated with the withdrawal of blood sample procedure?
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