Celiac disease is a life-long condition in which ingestion of gluten, the water insoluble wheat gliadin and the prolamins in rye and barley, leads to chronic inflammation and damage of the small intestinal mucosa. Tissue transglutaminase has been identified as the major autoantigen in celiac disease. IgA antibodies against tTG are highly disease specific serological markers for celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis. tTG IgG antibodies are less specific for these diseases but are helpful markers in patients with IgA deficiency.
Preparation of Patient: No special preparation.