Anti-TTG IgA: What Does This Coeliac Disease Marker Tell You?

This test measures the level of IgA antibodies directed against tissue transglutaminase in your blood. It is the most sensitive and specific single blood test for coeliac disease screening. For accurate results you must be eating gluten regularly at the time of testing. The anti-TTG test measures transglutaminase IgA antibodies against tissue transglutaminase. It is used as a first-line screen; it does not provide a diagnosis of coeliac disease on its own and further evaluation by a healthcare provider is needed.

Undiagnosed coeliac disease can lead to poor nutrient absorption, iron deficiency, osteoporosis and other problems. Early detection through anti-TTG screening allows for timely dietary management. A negative result in someone already on a gluten-free diet may be falsely reassuring. Because iron deficiency is a common sign, it can be helpful to view iron-related markers such as ferritin and iron (serum) alongside this test, and you can combine them in a custom blood test from the biomarkers overview.

Consider testing if you have ongoing digestive symptoms such as bloating, diarrhoea or stomach pain after eating foods that contain gluten. Testing is also worth considering if coeliac disease runs in your family, if you have iron-deficiency anaemia of unknown cause, or if you have a related autoimmune condition. You must be eating gluten for at least 6 weeks before testing. To explore related markers you can browse the biomarkers overview or build a custom blood test.