Celiac disease is caused by an immune response to gluten in genetically sensitive individuals. The diagnosis is largely based on a biopsy of the small intestine, but serologic tests also help support a diagnosis and may assist identification of patients who may require biopsy.
Tissue transglutaminase antibodies (tTG, IgA) is a marker with 95% sensitivity and specificity. Total IgA is measured because 2-3% of celiac disease patients are IgA deficient. Because tTG, IgA, and anti-Gliadin IgA tend to decrease in patients on a gluten-free diet, these markers are also used to assess dietary compliance.
The endomysial antibody (EMA, IgA) assay has high specificity for celiac disease and is used to confirm positive anti-tTG results.
Includes
- Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) Antibody (IgA)
- IgA (Immunoglobulin A)
- If Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) Antibody (IgA) is Detected, then Endomysial Antibody Screen (IgA) will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 86255).
- If Endomysial Antibody Screen (IgA) is Positive, then Endomysial Antibody Titer will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 86256).
- If Immunoglobulin A is less than the lower limit of the reference range, based on age, Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) Antibody (IgG) will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 83516).
CPT Code: 83516, 82784