Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
IgA TTG antibodies are valuable in the diagnosis of coeliac disease (95% of cases positive) and dermatitis herpetiformis (60-70% of cases positive). Positive IgA TTG is followed up with IgA Endomysial antibody testing to add diagnostic significance. All samples are screened for IgA deficiency. If the patient is IgA deficient, IgG EMA are tested for automatically.
Specimen container paediatric:
Serum-Plain tube
Specimen container adult:
Serum-SST
Minimum volume paediatric:
1 ml
Minimum volume adult:
1 ml
Special requirements:
None
Freq analysis:
Daily
Add on test:
All urgent add ons via telephone on : 0191 2821890, and must be confirmed via email to [email protected]
Quality assurance:
UK NEQAS for COELIAC DISEASE
Interpretation:
The TTG antibody disappears if the patient adheres to a gluten free diet and returns if they are challenged with gluten again. Monitoring of TTG may be valuable in assessing adherence to a gluten free diet.
Reference ranges:
Normal Range: <15 U/ml