Lab test · Immunology
Anti-tTG IgA (Coeliac Disease Test)
Coeliac disease (gluten) check
- Blood sample
- No fasting
- Report within 3 days
- Home collection
What this test is for
Coeliac disease (gluten) check
This blood test measures IgA antibodies against tissue transglutaminase (tTG), an enzyme in the lining of the gut. People with coeliac disease make these antibodies when they eat gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. It is the main blood test used to screen for coeliac disease, and a positive result is usually confirmed with a biopsy of the small bowel taken during an endoscopy.
Why a doctor may order it
- Long-lasting diarrhoea, bloating, tummy pain or unexplained weight loss
- Unexplained iron-deficiency anaemia
- Poor growth or weight gain in a child
- Type 1 diabetes or autoimmune thyroid disease, which are linked with coeliac disease
- A close family member with coeliac disease
How to prepare
Fasting: Not needed.
Keep eating foods that contain gluten, such as wheat roti, bread or biscuits, as part of your normal diet before the test. If you have already cut gluten out, the result can be falsely negative, so tell your doctor before booking. You do not need to fast, and you can keep taking your usual medicines.
At home
- Sample
- Blood sample
- How it works
- The sample collector comes to your home and draws a small amount of blood from a vein in the arm, which takes a few minutes. You do not need to change what you eat on the day of collection.
- Report
- Within 3 days of collection.
What the results can mean
A raised tTG IgA level suggests coeliac disease, and very high levels make it more likely. A negative result makes coeliac disease unlikely if you have been eating gluten, but it can be falsely negative in people who naturally make very little IgA, so your doctor may also check total IgA. Your doctor will interpret the result and decide whether an endoscopy is needed before any change to your diet.
What's included
One test: Anti-tTG IgA (Coeliac Disease Test), from one blood sample.
Related tests
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)A complete blood count looks at the three main types of cells in your blood: red blood cells, which carry oxygen; white blood cells, which fight infection; and platelets, which help blood to clot.
- Serum FerritinFerritin is a protein that stores iron inside the body's cells, and the small amount in the blood reflects how much iron you have stored.
- Iron Profile (Iron Studies)An iron profile is a group of blood tests that shows how much iron your body has and how it is being used.
- Stool Routine Examination (Stool R/E)A stool routine examination looks at a small sample of your stool by eye and under a microscope.
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Questions people ask
Do I need to eat gluten before a coeliac blood test?
Yes. The antibodies are only made while gluten is in the diet. If you stop eating gluten before the test, the result may be negative even if you have coeliac disease.
Can coeliac disease be diagnosed with a blood test alone?
A blood test is the first step. A positive result is usually confirmed with a small bowel biopsy, and your doctor will decide what is right for you or your child.
Is coeliac disease the same as a wheat allergy?
No. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune reaction to gluten that damages the gut lining over time. A wheat allergy is an IgE-driven allergic reaction and is checked with different tests.
How much does a tTG IgA test cost in Dhaka?
With Mukti Health the price is ৳1,550, and the sample is collected at your home in Dhaka. You see the price again before you confirm the booking in the Mukti Health app.
Can I do the tTG IgA test at home in Dhaka?
Yes. Book it in the Mukti Health app and a trained sample collector comes to your home in Dhaka to take the blood sample. You do not need to go to a laboratory.
How long does the tTG IgA report take?
The report is usually ready within 3 days of the sample being collected.