Getting a test on Friday

[Blueholidaytime]

Hello everyone. I've suffered from gut trouble for years, it's normal for me. I'm lactose intolerant but I've managed that successfully for a long time. My granddaughter has just been diagnosed with Coeliacs, so I asked my GP today for a test. She's a new GP and was surprised that I haven't been tested before. Anyway, she's ordered a test for me. It says Coeliac Screen (TTG). Can anyone enlighten me as to whether this is a antibody test? Is the test she's ordered the right test? Finally, anyone know how long before I get the results? Thanks very much.

[cranberryt]

There are several tests that can be done. All test various antibodies from what I understand. I was just diagnosed so I am new to all this. My screening tested DGA igA, tTg igA and Endomysial Antibody igA and all were positive indicators for celiac. I am still waiting for GI consult, but my GP said an endoscopy isn’t necessary as all my tests point to celiac. It’s hard to say exactly what they are testing until you get the results but it sounds like you are getting at least one test that is an indicator.

[Blueholidaytime in reply to cranberryt]

Thanks very much for taking the time to reply.

[Narwhal10]

Hi Blueholidaytime,

Yes, lots of gluten intolerant, coeliacs, non-coeliac gluten sensitivity and wheat intolerance is found later in life because we just have put up with it !!! Lots of people self-diagnose and avoid foods. Please keep eating gluten and lots of it.

So, a tTg-IgA test is a coeliac disease ANTIBODY blood test. She has ordered the right test. If you are in the UK then

southtees.nhs.uk/services/p...

This link says 90% accurate but other literature says 95 %. To have a positive test, I believe it has to be greater than 10. Now, previously in the UK, we then had to continue eating gluten until endoscopy with biopsy (that’s the gold standard for diagnosis). However, the small intestine is 6 metres long & they take 4-5 minute samples.

Last year, if your figure was 200 or over. It’s an automatic diagnosis of coeliac disease. That’s, why I’m suggesting eat lots of the gluten before the blood test.

Timewise, laboratories are swamped with COVID. Expect at least 2-3 weeks. Always ask the phlebotomist what they are taking and write it down. Full blood count (iron levels are really important), calcium, vitamin B12, folate and vitamin D.

Best wishes

[Blueholidaytime in reply to Narwhal10]

Thanks so much.

[Researchfan]

Hi Blueholidaytime,

Right test to screen for coeliac disease, yes. The TTG stands for tissue transglutaminase. And the screening blood marker usually done by NHS for coeliac disease is anti tissue transglutaminase igA (antibody).

Hopefully the screen includes the total igA antibody count too as a very small percentage of coeliac patients are igA deficient. And can show negative on test even though have it. But initial screening is igA TTG. Which for majority will detect likelihood of a coeliac diagnosis.

Hope that’s helpful.

[Blueholidaytime]

Brilliant thanks.

[Blueholidaytime]

I've had bloods taken for aTTG test, plus Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Folate, FBC and a bone profile. I can't wait to find out the results.

[cranberryt]

Have you gotten your results yet?

[Blueholidaytime]

Thanks for asking. No results in, as yet.

[Ukulelelady1]

Hi, sorry, I’ve only just seen your post. I hope you got on ok. I became intolerant to dairy long before I got diagnosed with coeliac disease, that was what one doctor picked up on and organised tests.

[Researchfan]

Hi Blueholidaytime.

Hope you are doing ok? 🙂