ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory
| 0050734: Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody, IgA with Reflex to Endomysial Antibody, IgA Titer by IFA |
| Test Mnemonic: EMA R | |
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Methodology: Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/Indirect Fluorescent Antibody
Performed: Mon-Fri Reported: 1-5 days |
| Specimen Required: | |
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Collect: One 4 mL SST.
Transport: 1 mL serum at 2-8°C. (Min: 0.5 mL) Submit specimen in an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. Pediatric Collection/Transport: 0.15 mL serum at 2-8°C. Remarks: Separate serum from cells ASAP. Unacceptable Conditions: Plasma. Severely lipemic, contaminated, or hemolyzed specimens. Stability: After separation from cells: Ambient: 2 days; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 year (avoid freeze/thaw cycles) |
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| Reference Interval: |
| Interpretive Data: | |
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Endomysial antibodies are screened using an ELISA tissue transglutaminase (tTG) assay. All samples which are positive are titered on endomysial tissue by IFA. The endomysial antigen has been identified as the protein cross-linking enzyme known as tissue transglutaminase. Presence of IgA antibodies against human tTG suggests the possibility of certain gluten sensitive enteropathies such as celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis.
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| Note: | |
| IgA class endomysial antibodies are seen in gluten-sensitive enteropathies. Approximately 70% of patients with dermatitis herpetiformis and almost 100% of patients with active celiac disease will demonstrate IgA antibodies. These antibodies generally decrease or become negative in patients on gluten-free diets and will usually reappear upon gluten challenge. All positives are titered to endpoint. If tTG IgA is 20 units or greater, then EMA titer will be added. |
| CPT Code(s): | |
| 83516 tTG IgA; if reflexed, add 86256 EMA titer |