Have a low threshold for anti-gTG Ab testing as Coeliac Disease affects 1 in 100 Australians, according to the largest Australian study of coeliac disease (Busselton, WA): prevalence between 0.56% and 0.96%.
Using more than one anti-gTG assay improves the test’s PPV – increased detection of Coeliac Disease by at least 40%:
- One test PPV 45.2%
- combining three tests increases PPV to 94%
If IgA / IgG anti-tTG assay [Aeskulisa®] positive → commercial [Genesis®] anti-tTG assay and Haplotyping → duodenal biopsy.
Red Flags
• 1st degree relatives of Coeliac Disease patients
• adult type 1 diabetes
• osteoporosis
• ill-defined abdominal symptoms – e.g. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• iron or other nutritional deficiencies
• unexplained transaminase elevations
• Down syndrome
Medical Journal of Australia (MJA) 2009; 190: 404-405; 429-432
Celiac Disease Antibody Tests, also known as Anti-tissue Transglutaminase Antibody; tTG; tTGA; endomysial antibody; EMA; DGP; ARA; Total IgA
- Formal name: Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody; Deaminated Gliadin Peptide Antibodies; Anti-Endomysial Antibodies; Anti-Reticulin Antibodies; Quantitative
- Immunoglobulin Related tests: Quantitative Immunoglobulins, Fecal Fat, Total Protein, Albumin, Calcium, Vitamin B12, Autoantibodies, Vitamin D, Complete Blood Count, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Iron Tests
Source: Lab Tests Online
