tTG Antibody IgG

The tTG (Tissue Transglutaminase) Antibody IgG test is a blood test used to help diagnose coeliac disease, an autoimmune condition in which eating gluten triggers an immune reaction that damages the lining of the small intestine. The test measures IgG antibodies directed against tissue transglutaminase, an enzyme that becomes a target of the immune system in people with coeliac disease. It is especially useful for individuals with selective IgA deficiency, a condition that is more common in people with coeliac disease and can make the standard tTG IgA test appear falsely negative. In such cases, the tTG IgG test helps ensure that coeliac disease is not overlooked. It may also be performed alongside the tTG IgA test to provide a more complete assessment when coeliac disease is suspected.

Who Should Get This Test Done?

This test is recommended for individuals who:

●     Experience chronic diarrhoea, bloating, or abdominal discomfort after consuming gluten-containing foods

●     Have unexplained weight loss or difficulty gaining weight

●     Suffer from persistent fatigue or weakness despite adequate nutrition

●     Have unexplained iron deficiency anaemia or other nutritional deficiencies such as folate or Vitamin B12

●     Show signs of malabsorption such as fatty or foul-smelling stools

●     Have associated autoimmune conditions such as Type 1 diabetes or thyroid disease

Why Consider This Test?

The tTG IgG test is an important tool for detecting coeliac disease, particularly in people with IgA deficiency, where standard IgA-based tests may not be reliable. Coeliac disease can be difficult to recognize because its symptoms often vary from person to person and may resemble those of other digestive disorders. If left undiagnosed, it can lead to ongoing intestinal damage and complications such as nutrient deficiencies, weak bones, fertility problems, and, in rare cases, certain intestinal cancers. Early diagnosis allows individuals to start a strict gluten-free diet, which can relieve symptoms, promote healing of the intestine, and help prevent long-term complications. In people already diagnosed with coeliac disease, the test may also be used to monitor response to treatment, as antibody levels generally decrease when a gluten-free diet is followed consistently.

More Information

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which consuming gluten triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine. While the tTG IgA test is commonly used for screening, the tTG IgG test serves as an important alternative for individuals with low or absent IgA levels. For the test to be accurate, it is important to continue eating foods that contain gluten before testing, as following a gluten-free diet can reduce antibody levels and lead to a false negative result.

Other Names of the Test

●     Anti-tTG IgG test

●     Tissue transglutaminase IgG antibody test

●     tTG-IgG test

●     Anti-tissue transglutaminase IgG

●     Coeliac disease antibody test (IgG)