Self transglutaminase-based rapid coeliac disease antibody detection by a lateral flow method

Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2006 Jul 1;24(1):147-54. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2006.02957.x.

Abstract

Background: The conventional coeliac disease antibody tests require patient's sera, and are laborious and time-consuming.

Aim: To evaluate a newly developed rapid whole blood test in coeliac disease antibody detection, and its suitability for office use.

Methods: Endogenous tissue transglutaminase found in red blood cells in a whole blood fingertip or venous sample is liberated upon haemolysis and complexes with tissue transglutaminase antibodies, if present. The complexes, captured by a lateral flow system, are visualized within 5 min. Stored samples from 121 untreated, 106 treated coeliac disease patients and 107 controls were evaluated and compared with serum endomysium and tissue transglutaminase antibody tests and histology; 150 patients were prospectively tested on site in the doctor's office.

Results: The rapid test showed sensitivity (96.7%) comparable with the serum endomysium and tissue transglutaminase antibody tests from stored samples; specificity was slightly lower (93.5%). When tested on site the results were concordant in 96.7% of cases compared with endomysium and tissue transglutaminase antibody results. The test recognized the disappearance of tissue transglutaminase antibodies on a gluten-free diet.

Conclusions: The self tissue transglutaminase-based rapid test can be easily carried out from a fingertip blood sample on site in the physician's office for both coeliac disease case finding and dietary monitoring purposes.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antibodies / blood*
  • Celiac Disease / diagnosis*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Tests / methods
  • Immunologic Tests / standards
  • Male
  • Point-of-Care Systems / standards*
  • Self Care / standards
  • Transglutaminases / blood*
  • Transglutaminases / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Transglutaminases