Understanding My Ttg Iga Blood Numbers- Could There Be Diff Ranges?

[QueenEe]

Hi again,

When I had my celiac bloodwork done, my doctor tested me only for tissue transglutaminase IGA, and I got a 5.1. My doctor said it was negative, since anything lower than a 20 is a negative. Well, I wasn't yet aware that I should also get tested for IGA deficiency to make sure my numbers were accurate indications of anything. Too late for that now since i'm off gluten and now my tests won't be accurate.

My doctor then told me the test isn't so accurate anyways, so I should just try gluten free and see if it helps. I tried, and it was great. My mother convinced me to see a GI anyways, just to be sure. The GI heard my symptoms and said I have celiac. When she saw my test numbers of 5.1 she immediately told me I had a weak positive test result.

I'm looking online, and apparently different tests have different ranges. According to my GP, anything lower than 20 was negative. However my GI thought my 5.1 was a weak positive (since according to the Mayo Clinic range for the TTG IGA test, that is in the weak positive range.)

Anyone know which range it really is? Did my GI misinterpret the numbers, or did my GP look at the wrong range?

Any help would be very much appreciated!

[kareng]

On your copy of the test, it should list the results number and the range. If you haven't gotten a copy, you need to get it.

[QueenEe]

On your copy of the test, it should list the results number and the range. If you haven't gotten a copy, you need to get it.

I called my doc today, and the secretary read me the test results and told me the range was: less than 20 is negative, and above is positive.

Does that make sense? If so, why would my GI tell me it's a weak positive? I'm so confused

[kareng]

I called my doc today, and the secretary read me the test results and told me the range was: less than 20 is negative, and above is positive.

Does that make sense? If so, why would my GI tell me it's a weak positive? I'm so confused

If she read it right, that sounds negative. Get a copy and look for yourself. Too many people on here get read the wrong things or have the wrong test, etc. Different tests use a different measurment scal. the GI could be wrong.

[QueenEe]

If she read it right, that sounds negative. Get a copy and look for yourself. Too many people on here get read the wrong things or have the wrong test, etc. Different tests use a different measurment scal. the GI could be wrong.

I just called the lab that processed my test, and they told me the range is: Anything less than 19.9 is negative. So my 5.1 is a definite negative! Its disappointing that my GI was wrong, and I'm not a weak positive, but she dx'd me with celiac before even seeing these results, so I guess my diagnosis still stands

Would I need a separate test to know if i am IGA deficient?

[beachbirdie]

Would I need a separate test to know if i am IGA deficient?

Yes. They should have done a Total Serum IgA.

One test does not alone a diagnosis make.

What symptoms are you having?

[QueenEe]

Yes. They should have done a Total Serum IgA.

One test does not alone a diagnosis make.

What symptoms are you having?

I agree with you that more than one test is needed; I just wish I'd have known to ask for more tests when I was still glutened!

I have all the classic symptoms: paleness, fatigue, gas, bloating, diarrhea occasionally (it mostly went away when I got rid of dairy), constipation, white coating on my tongue all the time, my hair grows super slowly, mild pain in my abdomen after getting glutened, my abdomen feels like its all cramped,twisted and clogged after i eat gluten (not very scientific but that's how it feels!), and an itchy rash on my thighs (it's slightly raised, and looks like lesions, just like DH, but its not as raised and full like the pimples of DH are, so not 100% sure its dh, just 99% sure ). My parents are getting tested hopefully this month (they also experience many of these symptoms, and in addition, there are other autoimmune diseases in my extended family), so I'll get a better picture of all of this once I get their results (and this time we know to insist on getting a full panel of tests, not just one!).

[nora-n]

I recommend getting the new and better deamidated gliadin tests, both the IgG and IgA versions.

[thepeach80]

We did my stuff backwards from most it seems. I had a scope and was told I had damage consistent with early Celiac so they then did the tTG. I had a 5 which I was told was negative. Mayo lists that as a weak positive though and used with my scope results I believe I have Celiac even though my GI won't dx me. I've been told I could have non-celiac gluten sensitivity, but best I can tell it doesn't cause damage like celiac does internally. I've been gluten-free for just over a year now and feel 100x better. My father has major issues, Crohn's and it's just getting worse. Aunt has Fibro so I think I have definitely have family history to back it up as well. 

[cyclinglady]

Welcome, Jennifer!

Be sure to read the newbie section and learn about tips to help you heal faster and avoid hidden gluten or getting cross contaminated.

https://www.celiac.com/forums/topic/91878-newbie-info-101/

FYI. Although I was diagnosed last year, my husband was not (went gluten-free at the advice of my allergist and his PCP /GP). Thirteen years later, he is doing great except for accidental glutenings by restaurants. My cousin had an endo that showed irritation. She went gluten-free because her mom did and felt better. I think my cousin was in the early stages of celiac disease. Both ladies refuse to do a gluten challenge and I do not blame them. I am doing great too! My blood test was barely positive at diagnosis, but my biopsy showed moderate to severe damage.

The point is if you feel good without gluten, then that is the ultimate proof that you are gluten intolerant. Glad that you caught it early and before you sustain damage like me.....brittle bones!

[beth01]

You are quoting Mayo reference ranges. where did you have your testing done?  I am a Mayo patient and <4 for the tTg IgA is considered negative with their testing, but your lab could be using different methodologies and instrumentation. Just curious.

[VivianT]

I am really curious of what was the outcome in your case.

I had the same test, with the same reference values as yours.

My result was 6.

When I asked the lab technician what are the units of the result she was rude to me and she told me that it's not my business :S

This is really confusing as sometimes reference ranges are not at all related with the method of analysis but often they just represent statistic values of the general population.