With the test, you can determine if you have a hereditary predisposition to the insufficient function of the enzyme that breaks down lactose. The celiac test includes the following examinations: tissue transglutaminase IgA antibodies (S -tTGAbA) and immunoglobulin A (Ig A).
Tissue Transglutaminase
Tissue transglutaminase tests are used in the investigation of celiac disease.
Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibodies
- Blood tests can reliably examine celiac antibodies and identify individuals for whom celiac disease is likely.
- It is advisable not to start a gluten-free diet before testing and receiving a diagnosis.
- Celiac disease should be investigated if the risk of developing it is higher than usual.
- Through Puhti, you can access celiac disease testing without a referral.
What is Tissue Transglutaminase?
Tissue transglutaminase antibodies are used in the diagnosis and monitoring of celiac disease treatment.
Celiac disease is a condition where gluten, found in certain grain products, causes malabsorption of nutrients. Approximately two percent of Finns suffer from celiac disease, with many unaware they have the condition.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the protein gluten in wheat, rye, and barley damages the cells of the intestinal lining. The damage is caused by the prolamin part of gluten, which varies in different grains. As a result of the damage, the villi layer of the mucous membrane gradually deteriorates, disrupting nutrient absorption into the bloodstream.
Celiac disease can cause a variety of symptoms, but even asymptomatic celiac disease should be treated as it can lead to deficiencies that result in other diseases and increase the risk of certain gastrointestinal cancers.
If celiac disease is suspected, it is advisable to seek testing as soon as possible to obtain a diagnosis and start treatment.
Tissue transglutaminase is an antibody test that can confirm celiac disease.
Explore the celiac disease test package, which includes tissue transglutaminase (IgA) and the immunoglobulin A (IgA) value, which indicates the amount of IgA class immunoglobulins crucial for identifying celiac disease. Through Puhti, you can access testing without a doctor’s referral.
You can order a remote consultation with a doctor directly from the end of Puhti’s result report if you wish to discuss your results and health, if the results deviate from reference values, if you have symptoms, or if there is suspicion of a disease.
Symptoms of Celiac Disease
Celiac disease symptoms can be difficult to recognize as they are diverse and highly individual. Sometimes symptoms may be mild, and in rare cases, celiac disease may be asymptomatic. However, the most common symptoms of celiac disease can be divided into two categories: gastrointestinal symptoms and other symptoms.
There are two forms of celiac disease: intestinal celiac disease and skin celiac disease.
Gastrointestinal symptoms
- abdominal pain
- diarrhea and loose stools
- abdominal bloating
- intestinal cramps
- flatulence
- nausea, loss of appetite, and vomiting
- weight loss
Other possible symptoms of Celiac Disease
- skin celiac disease, skin symptoms
- anemia and vitamin deficiencies
- mouth ulcers (aphthae)
- sore tongue
- tooth enamel damage
- bone, muscle, or joint pain
- nerve pain
- menstrual disorders
- low birth weight, slowed growth in children, delayed puberty
- respiratory symptoms
- psychiatric symptoms: fatigue, depression, sleep disorders
- neurological symptoms: ataxia, polyneuropathy, dementia, brain atrophy, epilepsy
- liver diseases
- gynecological issues: menstrual disorders, infertility, recurrent miscarriages, early menopause
The exact mechanism of celiac disease is unknown. However, its onset requires a genetic predisposition and dietary gluten. According to current knowledge, the development of celiac disease cannot be prevented.
The only treatment for celiac disease is lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet.
Tissue Transglutaminase values
Blood tests can reliably examine celiac antibodies and identify individuals for whom celiac disease is likely. The tissue transglutaminase test IgA (S-tTGAbA, P-tTGAbA) is the most sensitive and specific blood test for indicating celiac disease.
Reference values for Tissue Transglutaminase antibody testing (tTGAbA)
The reference values for tissue transglutaminase testing (tTGAbA) are:
| Reference value | Interpretation |
| < 7 U/ml | Negative |
| 7-10 U/ml | Threshold |
| >10 U/ml | Positive |
Changes in tissue transglutaminase antibody levels reflect the state of the disease, so the test can also be used to monitor celiac disease treatment. When celiac disease is diagnosed, antibody levels should initially be monitored about 6 months later and then every 1-2 years. Normalization of antibody levels after switching to a gluten-free diet may take months.
In celiac patients, immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency is 10-15 times more common than in the general population. If IgA deficiency is detected, the tTGAbA test may be falsely negative. In such cases, IgG class antibodies should also be examined.
In typical cases, a celiac diagnosis can be made based on antibody testing without an intestinal biopsy. However, the diagnosis is often still confirmed by microscopic examination of a biopsy taken during a gastroscopy.
Where can I order a Tissue Transglutaminase test?
You can order a tissue transglutaminase test (IgA) from Puhti’s online store. The celiac disease test package includes tissue transglutaminase antibodies (IgA) and the immunoglobulin A (IgA) value, which indicates the amount of IgA class immunoglobulins crucial for identifying celiac disease.
All Puhti tests can be ordered without a doctor’s referral. You can order a remote consultation with a doctor directly from the end of the result report if you wish to discuss your results and health, if the results deviate from reference values, if you have symptoms, or if there is suspicion of a disease.
It is always good to discuss celiac suspicion with a doctor.
Start a gluten-free diet only after testing
It is advisable not to start a gluten-free diet before receiving a diagnosis, as otherwise, there is a risk that celiac disease will not be diagnosed. The requirement is that the person being tested has been on a gluten-containing diet for at least 6 weeks before the sample is taken.
If celiac disease is confirmed by a biopsy from the small intestine and the diagnosis remains unclear due to adherence to a gluten-free diet, a new examination can only be conducted after three months of gluten exposure. Reintroducing gluten into the diet is a painful experience for many celiac patients.
Celiac disease screening
Celiac disease should be investigated by determining tissue transglutaminase antibodies, even if there are no symptoms, if the risk of developing celiac disease is higher than usual.
Screening is recommended for individuals affected by any of the following:
- Type 1 diabetes
- Autoimmune thyroid disease (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, chronic inflammation)
- Sjögren’s syndrome
- Down syndrome
- Addison’s disease
- Alopecia areata
- Blood immunoglobulin A deficiency
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Multiple endocrine gland diseases simultaneously
- A family member has celiac disease
The only treatment for Celiac Disease is a gluten-free diet
Celiac disease is treated with a gluten-free diet. Rye, barley, and wheat are excluded from the diet.
A celiac patient must strictly adhere to a gluten-free diet for the rest of their life. Even small amounts of gluten can adversely affect health.
By following a gluten-free diet, a celiac patient can live a normal life, and the disease does not affect life expectancy.
113,40 €
The celiac disease test includes the following examinations: tissue transglutaminase IgA antibodies (S -tTGAbA) and immunoglobulin A (Ig A). For a reliable celiac disease diagnosis, it is required that the person being tested has been on a gluten-containing diet for at least 6 weeks before the sample is taken.
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Article updated:
25 April 2025