Celiac Disease Test

WHAT?

At-home sample collection device for measuring levels of antibodies in your blood that are elevated if you are sensitive to gluten or have celiac disease. Laboratory results are provided within 5 days.

WHY?

Celiac disease is a condition in which ingesting gluten causes severe gut inflammation, preventing nutrient absorption. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley – ingredients used in breads, pastas, cakes and biscuits. People with celiac disease who eat gluten have higher than normal levels of certain antibodies in their blood. These antibodies are produced by the immune system which sees gluten as a threat. For this test to be accurate, you must be on a gluten-containing diet.

WHO?

Celiac disease affects approximately 1 in 100 people, but many cases are never diagnosed correctly.

It is a serious condition that is very easily treated by removing gluten-containing foods from your diet. Children older than 3 and adults experiencing symptoms should be tested. Parents, siblings and children of people with celiac disease have a much higher risk of celiac disease than the general population.

Symptoms include diarrhoea, bloating, flatulence and anaemia, which are more obvious after eating foods that contain gluten.

HOW?

This sample kit contains a finger-prick blood collection device, along with clear instructions. Samples collected at home are couriered to and tested at the BioSmart accredited pathology laboratory.

Blood is tested for the following antibodies, each explained below:

• Deamidated Gliadin IgG*
• Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) IgG*
• Intrinsic Factor
• Deamidated Gliadin IgA**
• Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) IgA**
• Total IgA**

TESTS EXPLAINED

Deamidated Gliadin IgG and IgA: Deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP) antibodies (anti-DGP), IgA or IgG, can be used in some people with suspected celiac disease who are negative for anti-tTG. DGP IgG and anti-tTG IgG testing may be recommended for people who have low IgA or IgA deficiency. If the anti-DGP test is positive, it may be used to monitor celiac disease.

Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) IgG: Positive results for tissue transglutaminase (tTG) IgG antibodies are consistent with a diagnosis for celiac disease, particularly in individuals who are IgA deficient. Negative results will indicate a decreased likelihood of celiac disease.

Intrinsic Factor: This protein, made by cells in the stomach lining, helps your intestines absorb vitamin B12. Intrinsic factor binds to vitamin B12 and after attaching they travel to the intestines to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Vitamin B12 is needed for red blood cells to form and grow. Some people do not make enough intrinsic factor or have a condition that destroys it. If your body does not make enough of this protein, you can develop a type of vitamin B12 deficiency called pernicious anaemia.

Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) IgA: A high number of these antibodies in your blood indicate celiac disease.

Total IgA: This test is used to check for IgA deficiency, a condition associated with celiac disease that can cause a false negative tTG IgA. If you are IgA deficient, it is useful to compare it to levels of DGP or tTG IgG tests.

While it is very rare, it is possible for someone with celiac disease to have negative antibody test results. If your tests were negative, but you continue to experience symptoms, consult your doctor who may suggest additional tests.

*IgG: Immunoglobulin G

**IgA: Immunoglobulin A

The amount of each antibody is measured which gives insight into the severity of the reaction to gluten. Your celiac report will come in an easy-to-understand format with a detailed explanation of results, what they mean and your next steps.