From the Guidelines
TTG antibody, or tissue transglutaminase antibody, is a highly sensitive and specific blood test used to diagnose celiac disease, with a sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 98%, making it the preferred initial screening test 1.
Diagnosis and Testing
The test measures antibodies that the body produces against the enzyme tissue transglutaminase when a person with celiac disease consumes gluten.
- For accurate results, patients should continue eating gluten-containing foods before testing, as eliminating gluten can lead to false negative results.
- The test is typically ordered when someone shows symptoms like chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss, or has a family history of celiac disease.
- A positive TTG antibody test usually requires confirmation with an intestinal biopsy for a definitive diagnosis.
Mechanism of Action
This test works because in celiac disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissue transglutaminase enzyme when gluten is present, creating these measurable antibodies.
Clinical Guidelines
Current guidelines recommend using TTG antibody as a first-line screening test for celiac disease, followed by intestinal biopsy for confirmation 1.
Key Points
- TTG antibody is a highly sensitive and specific test for celiac disease.
- Patients should continue eating gluten-containing foods before testing.
- A positive test usually requires confirmation with an intestinal biopsy.
- The test is an important tool for diagnosing celiac disease and improving patient outcomes.
From the Research
Definition and Purpose of TTG Antibody
- TTG antibody, also known as tissue transglutaminase antibody, is a type of antibody that is commonly used as a marker for celiac disease 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The antibody is produced by the immune system in response to the presence of gluten in the diet, and its levels can be measured in the blood to diagnose and monitor celiac disease.
Measurement and Interpretation of TTG Antibody
- The measurement of TTG antibody levels can be used to diagnose celiac disease, as well as to monitor the effectiveness of a gluten-free diet in patients with the condition 2, 3, 4, 6.
- Elevated levels of TTG antibody can indicate the presence of celiac disease, while decreased levels can indicate a response to a gluten-free diet.
- However, the interpretation of TTG antibody levels can be complex, and the results should be considered in conjunction with other diagnostic tests and clinical symptoms 2, 4, 6.
Clinical Significance of TTG Antibody
- TTG antibody has been shown to be a sensitive and specific marker for celiac disease, and its measurement can be used to diagnose and monitor the condition 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Elevated levels of TTG antibody have been associated with an increased risk of complications, such as malnutrition and osteoporosis, in patients with celiac disease 6.
- The measurement of TTG antibody levels can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of a gluten-free diet in patients with celiac disease, and to identify patients who may be at risk of complications 2, 3, 4, 6.