You received your tTG test results but still need help determining if you have antibodies in the normal range. Read this section to understand how to go about your antibody diagnoses with your healthcare professional.
What Do tTG-IgA Test Results Mean?
If you have taken the tTG-IgA test, here's what your tTG antibody test results may mean:
- Negative result: A negative result means that no tTG-IgA antibodies were detected in your blood sample. It is generally considered a normal result and suggests that you do not have celiac disease or are not actively consuming gluten.
However, it's important to note that a negative result does not entirely rule out the possibility of celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, especially if you have symptoms or a family history of the condition.
- Positive result: A positive result means that tTG-IgA antibodies were detected in your blood sample. It indicates that your body is immune to gluten and may suggest that you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Further evaluation and testing, such as a small intestine biopsy, may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
- Borderline result: A borderline or weakly positive result means that tTG-IgA antibodies were detected in your blood sample. However, the levels were not high enough to definitively diagnose celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Your healthcare provider may recommend additional testing or a gluten-free trial to evaluate your condition further.
What Is tTG IgA Test Normal Range?
The normal range for tTG-IgA can vary slightly depending on the laboratory that performs the test. In general, the tT-IgA test normal range is less than 20 U/mL.
If your test results fall within this range, it suggests that no tTG-IgA antibodies were detected in your blood sample, which is considered a normal result. However, it's important to note that a normal result does not entirely rule out the possibility of celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, especially if you have symptoms or a family history of the condition.
What Medical Conditions Can Cause High tTG Level?
If you have a high tTG level, it could be indicative of a few different medical conditions. Here are some possibilities:
- Celiac disease: It's an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks the lining of the small intestine in response to gluten consumption. A high tTG level is a standard marker of celiac disease.
- Dermatitis herpetiformis: This is a skin condition that's closely linked to celiac disease. Dermatitis herpetiformis patients may have elevated tTG levels.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause digestive tract inflammation, which can result in increased tTG levels.
What Medical Conditions Can Cause Low tTG Level?
You might not have celiac disease or other gluten-related illnesses if your tTG level is low. A low tTG level, nevertheless, could be brought on by additional health issues. Here are some potential examples:
- IgA deficiency:Some people's bodies do not manufacture enough IgA antibodies, which might result in a false negative tTG test result.
- Gluten sensitivity:Although not as severe as celiac disease, some persons may have diarrhea or abdominal pain after ingesting gluten. However, these individuals may not have a high enough tTG level to be diagnosed with celiac disease.
- Intestinal damage from non-gluten sources:Other conditions, such as infections or medications, can cause damage to the intestinal lining that may lead to a low tTG level.
- Early stages of celiac disease: In some cases, a person with celiac disease may have a low tTG level early on in the disease process before it progresses to the point where tTG levels are elevated.
