Coeliac Antibodies

Also known as: Also known as: IgA tissue Transglutaminase (IgA Ttg) or Endomysial Antibodies; Endomysium Antibodies; IgA Endomysial Antibodies

In accordance with NICE guidelines the laboratory offers IgA tissue transglutaminase antibody (TTGA) as first line screening for coeliac disease. Confirmation of a positive TTGA is performed by IgA endomysial antibody (EMA) testing: EMA testing is currently the most specific assay for coeliac disease with 70 - 90 percent sensitivity and 90 - 100 percent specificity (NICE guidelines QS134 2016).

NICE Guidance - Coeliac disease - www.nice.org.uk

EMA testing will detect virtually all cases of untreated coeliac disease except those with co-existing IgA deficiency. For this reason, a total serum IgA is performed alongside TTG testing, if this is low (<0.06 g/l) and the endomysial antibody is negative, the serum is tested for IgG endomysial antibodies.

Please note: IgA endomysial antibodies are also present in patients with Dermatitis Herpetiformis.

NICE guidelines [QS134] Published date: October 2016

Specimen requirements

Serum 1ml

Cost

Price on application

Laboratory turnaround time

• TTG (IgA): 4 days
• Endomysial antibody (IgA and IgG): 7 days

Laboratory method

• TTGA - Chemiluminescence
• EMA - Immunofluorescence

Reference range/units

Reported as Positive or Negative

Associated tests

• TTG antibody
• IgG endomysial antibodies

Sample stability

Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Abs

6 weeks at 2-8ºC

Endomysial IgA Abs

3 weeks at 2-8ºC

Endomysial IgG Abs

2 months at 2-8ºC

Shipping and storage

UK and Ireland

Ambient temperature and first class post. Hays DX users please enquire via email below.

International

Ambient temperature if courier will deliver within 72 hours otherwise consider refrigerated transport. Freezing is not a requirement.

Ensure delivery Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:30.

Further information and contact details

For further information, email immunology.office@nhs.net