TTG-DGP Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About TTG-DGP Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | hTTG-DGP Screen, Tissue Transglutaminase-Deamidated Gliadin Peptide Screen, Coeliac Disease Antibody Screen, tTG-DGP Combo Test |
| Sample Type | Serum (venous blood) |
| Fasting Required | Not typically required; confirm with your collection centre beforehand |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All ages, male and female; especially valuable for children under 2 years and individuals with IgA deficiency |
| Price | Starting at ₹2,470 |
What Is a TTG-DGP Test?
The TTG-DGP test is a blood test that checks for specific antibodies linked to coeliac disease, an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten. It simultaneously measures two types of antibodies — tissue transglutaminase (tTG) and deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP) — in both IgA and IgG forms. Doctors typically order this test when a patient shows symptoms suggesting gluten intolerance or coeliac disease. A serum sample, drawn from a vein in the arm, is used for analysis.
What Does a TTG-DGP Test Measure?
The TTG-DGP test procedure detects four antibody markers in a single blood draw. Here is what each one signals:
| Marker | What It Detects |
|---|---|
| tTG-IgA | Immune reaction to tissue transglutaminase, an enzyme in the gut; the primary marker for coeliac disease |
| tTG-IgG | Same target as tTG-IgA; used when IgA levels in the body are low or absent |
| DGP-IgA | Antibodies against deamidated gliadin peptides (a component of gluten); useful across age groups |
| DGP-IgG | Particularly helpful in children under 2 years and in patients with IgA deficiency |
Testing both IgA and IgG antibodies together means coeliac disease can still be detected even when a patient has IgA deficiency, a condition that can cause IgA-only tests to give a false negative.
Why Is a TTG-DGP Test Done?
A doctor may order this test when symptoms or a patient's history suggests the immune system is reacting abnormally to gluten. The test helps with both initial diagnosis and ongoing monitoring.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms commonly lead doctors to recommend the TTG-DGP test:
- Chronic diarrhoea or loose stools lasting several weeks
- Persistent abdominal pain, bloating, or discomfort
- Unexplained weight loss
- Ongoing fatigue and tiredness despite adequate rest
- Iron-deficiency anaemia that does not respond to supplements
- Failure to thrive or poor growth in children
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test is used to investigate or confirm several conditions, including:
- Coeliac disease, a chronic autoimmune disorder in which gluten damages the lining of the small intestine
- Dermatitis herpetiformis, an itchy, blistering skin rash linked to coeliac disease
- Gluten-sensitive enteropathy (intestinal damage caused by gluten sensitivity)
TTG-DGP Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
The TTG-DGP test plays an important role in the long-term management of diagnosed coeliac disease. DGP-IgA and tTG-IgA antibodies are considered the most reliable markers for monitoring dietary compliance with a gluten-free diet. After starting the diet, antibody levels are expected to fall significantly over several months, with most patients testing negative within 6 to 12 months. Doctors typically schedule follow-up tests at 6 months, 12 months, and then annually to confirm the diet's effectiveness.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing correctly for this test is important, as certain factors can affect how accurate the result is.
Do You Need to Fast?
Fasting is not typically required before this test. However, some collection centres may ask for 10 to 12 hours of fasting, so it is best to confirm with your Lupin Diagnostics centre when you book.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before your appointment:
- Continue eating gluten regularly (for example, 2 to 4 slices of bread daily) for at least several weeks before the test. Starting a gluten-free diet before testing can lower antibody levels and produce a misleading negative result.
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any relevant medical records, as this is required for the test.
- Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are currently taking, as some can affect the outcome.
- Stay well hydrated before the blood draw.
- Wear a short-sleeved or loose-sleeved top so the collection site on your arm is easy to access.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The sample collection for the TTG-DGP test is a straightforward blood draw. Here is what to expect:
- A trained phlebotomist will ask you to sit comfortably and expose the inner side of your arm.
- The skin at the puncture site is cleaned with an antiseptic swab.
- A tourniquet (a thin elastic band) is placed above the site to make the vein more visible.
- A sterile needle is gently inserted into the vein, and approximately 3 mL of blood is collected into a serum separator tube.
- Once the sample is collected, the needle is removed, light pressure is applied, and a small bandage is placed on the site.
- The sample is stored refrigerated and dispatched to the laboratory for analysis by the EIA (enzyme immunoassay) method.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence how reliable the result is:
- Being on a gluten-free or low-gluten diet before the test (most common cause of false negatives)
- IgA deficiency, which can lower IgA antibody levels, even in active coeliac disease
- Use of immunosuppressive medications or corticosteroids
- Other autoimmune conditions such as type 1 diabetes, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, or rheumatoid arthritis
- Liver disease, severe kidney disease, or certain viral infections (e.g., Epstein-Barr virus)
Understanding Your TTG-DGP Test Results
Your results should always be reviewed with a qualified doctor who can interpret them alongside your symptoms, clinical history, and any other investigations. The table below shows general reference ranges used by many laboratories:
| Parameter | Negative | Weak Positive | Positive | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tTG-IgA | Less than 20 | 20 to 30 | Greater than 30 | U/mL |
| DGP-IgA | Less than 20 | Not applicable | 20 or above | U/mL |
| DGP-IgG | Less than 20 | Not applicable | 20 or above | U/mL |
Disclaimer: These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain health conditions can affect how results are interpreted:
- Other autoimmune conditions, including type 1 diabetes, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and autoimmune liver disease, can sometimes cause elevated tTG levels in people who do not have coeliac disease, leading to a false positive result. Chronic liver conditions such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or cirrhosis carry a similar risk.
- In patients with IgA deficiency, IgA-based markers may appear falsely low. In this situation, IgG-based antibody results (tTG-IgG and DGP-IgG) become particularly important.
- Young children under 2 years of age are also more likely to have a false negative on standard IgA testing, which is why the combined test is especially useful for this age group.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The following general tips support better outcomes for those managing coeliac disease:
- Strictly follow a gluten-free diet, as this is the primary way to bring antibody levels back to normal.
- Work with a registered dietitian who has experience in coeliac disease to ensure your diet is both gluten-free and nutritionally adequate.
- Attend scheduled follow-up blood tests to track whether antibody levels are declining as expected.
Lupin Diagnostics TTG-DGP Test Price and Home Collection
The TTG-DGP test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹2,470, and home sample collection is available across cities. The table below gives indicative price ranges based on aggregator data.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 2100 |
| CHENNAI | 2470 |
| HYDERABAD | 2470 |
| KOLKATA | 2470 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 2470 |
| PUNE | 2470 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking the TTG-DGP test online with Lupin Diagnostics is simple:
- Select the TTG-DGP test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 3 days.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers TTG-DGP test home collection across cities, so you do not need to visit a centre for the blood draw. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced technologists. Your digital report is delivered directly to you via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The TTG-DGP test is primarily used to help diagnose coeliac disease by detecting specific antibodies in the blood. It is also used to monitor how well a patient with coeliac disease is responding to a gluten-free diet. Because it tests both IgA and IgG antibodies together, it gives a more complete picture than testing a single antibody alone.
Testing tTG and DGP antibodies together increases the accuracy of detecting coeliac disease, particularly in groups where single-marker tests may miss the diagnosis. DGP-IgG is especially useful in children under 2 years of age and in patients with IgA deficiency, where tTG-IgA alone can return a false negative result.
Yes. You should continue eating gluten regularly for at least several weeks before the test — this is essential for accurate results. If you have already stopped eating gluten, discuss this with your doctor before booking, as reduced gluten intake can cause antibody levels to fall and produce a misleading negative result.
Fasting is not typically required. However, individual laboratory requirements can vary, so confirm with your Lupin Diagnostics centre when you book your appointment.
Yes. Conditions such as type 1 diabetes, autoimmune liver disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and chronic liver disease can sometimes cause elevated tTG or DGP levels. A positive antibody result alone is not sufficient to confirm coeliac disease; your doctor will usually recommend further investigation, such as an intestinal biopsy, to reach a definitive diagnosis.
After starting a gluten-free diet, a follow-up test is generally recommended within 3 to 6 months to confirm that antibody levels are declining. Thereafter, annual testing is typically advised to monitor long-term compliance and confirm that the disease remains well controlled.
TTG-DGP Test: Booking, Price, and Results
