What Is a Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Test?

A tissue transglutaminase (tTG) IgA test is a blood test that measures the levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies to tissue transglutaminase in your blood. IgA is an antibody that your body produces in response to infection or inflammation. Tissue transglutaminase is an enzyme that helps to hold cells together.

The tTG IgA test is used to help diagnose celiac disease, which is an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system attacks the small intestine in response to the ingestion of gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

In people with celiac disease, gluten causes damage to the small intestine, which can lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and other symptoms. The tTG IgA test can help to identify people who have celiac disease so that they can avoid gluten and reduce their symptoms.

The tTG IgA test is a simple blood test that is usually done in a doctor's office or lab. The results of the test are usually available within a few days.

If your tTG IgA test is positive, it may mean that you have celiac disease. However, a positive test result does not always mean that you have celiac disease. Other conditions, such as autoimmune thyroid disease and Crohn's disease, can also cause positive tTG IgA test results.

If your tTG IgA test is positive, your doctor may order additional tests, such as a biopsy of the small intestine, to confirm the diagnosis of celiac disease.

The tTG IgA test is a helpful tool for diagnosing celiac disease. If you have any of the symptoms of celiac disease, talk to your doctor about getting a tTG IgA test.