ANTI-TISSUE TRANSGLUTAMINASE IgA

CLINICAL UTILITY:

Presence of anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies suggests the possibility of certain gluten sensitive enteropathies such as celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis, which are characterized by chronic inflammation of the intestinal mucosa and flattening of the epithelium. IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase and anti-endomysial antibodies are thought to be the same antibodies. Gliadin, the alcohol soluble fraction of wheat gluten, is recognized as the toxic agent. A gluten-free diet controls gluten sensitive enteropathy (GSE).

It is not uncommon for celiac patients to be IgA deficient, which can result in false negative serologic tests in biopsy confirmed celiac patients. To compensate for this, it is common practice for laboratories to also offer testing for IgG classes of celiac antibodies such as gliadin and reticulin.

METHOD DESCRIPTION:

Anti-Tissue Transglutaminase IgA antibodies are measured colorimetrically using a solid phase immunoenzymatic assay (“sandwich” technique).

REFERENCE RANGE:

< 20 U = Negative; 20-30 U = Low positive; > 30 U = Positive

SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS:

1.0 ml serum (0.5 ml minimum).