Individual research recommendation details

Recommendation ID

NG20/2

Question

Serological testing in people who test negative for anti-transglutaminase:- What is the sensitivity and specificity of IgA EMA and IgA DGP tests in detecting coeliac disease in
people who test negative for IgA tTG?

Any explanatory notes
(if applicable)

Why this is important:- In people with suspected coeliac disease, IgA tTG is most commonly used as the first-choice test to detect the presence of coeliac disease antibodies but some people with coeliac disease will get a false negative result. If this happens, and if there is a strong and ongoing clinical suspicion of coeliac disease, serological testing for IgA EMA or IgA or IgG DGP antibodies should also be requested. However, there is little evidence for the sensitivity and specificity of these antibodies in people who have tested negative for IgA tTG antibodies. A clearer understanding of the sensitivity and specificity of EMA and DGP antibodies in people who have tested negative for IgA tTG will allow clinicians to better interpret test results and make a more informed diagnosis.

 

Source guidance details

Comes from guidance

Coeliac disease: recognition, assessment and management

Number

NG20

Date issued

September 2015

Other details