Tissue transglutaminase IgG antibody (anti- TTG IgG) Test
Tissue transglutaminase IgG antibody (anti- TTG IgG) Test
The Tissue Transglutaminase (tTg) IgG antibody test is a diagnostic blood test used primarily for individuals with suspected celiac disease who have IgA deficiency. This test measures the levels of IgG antibodies against tissue transglutaminase, an enzyme involved in tissue repair. Elevated IgG antibodies often indicate an immune reaction triggered by gluten consumption.
What is the Tissue Transglutaminase (tTg) IgG Antibody Test Used For?
The tTg IgG antibody test is used to:
· Diagnose celiac disease in individuals with IgA deficiency.
· Assess gluten sensitivity in patients showing symptoms suggestive of celiac disease.
· Aid in identifying non-celiac gluten sensitivity when IgA testing is inconclusive.
· Monitor response to a gluten-free diet in celiac disease patients.
Symptoms of Celiac Disease or Gluten Sensitivity
This test is often recommended for individuals with signs of celiac disease or gluten-related disorders. Common symptoms include
Digestive symptoms: Chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, or bloating
Nutritional deficiencies: Weight loss, anemia, or fatigue.
Skin rashes: A condition called dermatitis herpetiformis, characterized by itchy, blistering rashes.
Bone and joint pain: Often caused by malabsorption of calcium and vitamin D.
Neurological symptoms: Headaches, tingling in the extremities, or depression.
Growth delays in children: Slower-than-normal growth and delayed puberty.
Preparation for the Test
To ensure accurate results for the tTg IgG antibody test:
1. Dietary habits: Maintain a gluten-containing diet for several weeks before the test. Avoiding gluten prematurely may lead to false-negative results.
2. Medication disclosure: Inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you’re taking that might influence test accuracy.
3. No fasting required: Fasting is typically not needed unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise.
Interpretation of Results
The tTg IgG antibody test results are generally classified as negative, weakly positive, or positive. Here is what these results mean:
· Negative: Suggests no significant immune response to gluten, making celiac disease unlikely.
· Weakly positive: May indicate mild gluten sensitivity or an early stage of celiac disease. Further testing is often recommended.
· Positive: Strongly indicates an immune reaction to gluten and is suggestive of celiac disease. A biopsy of the small intestine may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Additional Considerations:
· Positive results should be interpreted alongside clinical symptoms and other laboratory findings.
Persistent positivity after starting a gluten-free diet may indicate gluten exposure or refractory celiac disease.
FAQs
Who needs a tTg IgG antibody test?
This test is primarily for individuals with symptoms of celiac disease who have IgA deficiency or inconclusive results from IgA-based tests.
What does a positive tTg IgG result mean?
A positive result indicates that your immune system is reacting to gluten, suggesting celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Further tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Is the tTg IgG test specific to celiac disease?
While it is primarily used for celiac disease diagnosis, elevated IgG levels can occasionally occur in other conditions, such as infections or autoimmune disorders.
Can I take this test if I’m on a gluten-free diet?
No, the test requires ongoing gluten consumption to detect an immune response. Restarting a gluten-containing diet under medical supervision may be necessary.
How is the tTg IgG test different from the tTg IgA test?
The tTg IgA test is the standard for diagnosing celiac disease, but the tTg IgG test is specifically used for patients with IgA deficiency or inconclusive IgA test results.
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