TTG IgA Test

This test is used to find out the tissue transglutaminase antibodies-IgA in the blood.

What are antibodies and their actions?

Antibodies are the protective proteins produced by the immune system and known as immunoglobulins. Antibodies are produced when any foreign substance or virus or bacteria enters into the body. These foreign substances are known as antigens. Antibodies recognize and attach to the antigens in order to remove them from the body. There are five (5) subtypes of antibodies and they are IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, IgE.

IgG provides long-term protection as it presents in the circulation for long period after the presence of an antigen. IgM enhances the ingestion of cells by phagocytosis. IgA is also the first defense for intestine, lungs, and nose. They bind antigens to the microbes before they invade tissues and keeps antigens in secretion and when secretion is expelled, antigens are also expelled. IgD helps in the induction of antibody production and presents on the surface of B-cells. IgE binds to the basophils and mast cells.

*What are tissue transglutaminase and tissue transglutaminase antibodies?

Tissue transglutaminase is an enzyme that helps in healing the damaged body. It is distributed in many human organs. It is produced in the individuals who are suffering from diseases or conditions such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, type-1 diabetes, over-consumption of alcohol etc.

Tissue transglutaminase antibodies are the antibodies produced by the immune system to eliminate the tissue transglutaminase enzyme in the body. These antibodies are called anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies.

Why This test Is Performed?

This test is performed to check the presence of tissue transglutaminase antibodies IgA in the blood. The doctor may ask you to undergo this test if you are suffering from symptoms such as gas, weight loss, diarrhea, bloating, constipation, depression, abdominal pain or discomfort, loss of appetite, change in stool color, urgent need to defecation, etc.

If you are on treatment for inflammatory bowel disease or celiac disease then, the doctor may ask you to perform this test to evaluate and to check the effectiveness of the treatment and tissue transglutaminase antibodies IgA levels in the blood. Mostly, this test is done along with other tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Precautions:

Some medications may change the test results and hence you are advised to inform all your current medications to the doctor prior to the test.

The test results may be different depending on gender, age, health conditions, and other factors.

If the test results are negative it may indicate that there are no tissue transglutaminase antibodies IgA in the blood.

In case the test results are positive it may indicate that there are tissue transglutaminase antibodies IgA in the blood.