Celiac Disease Screening
Celiac disease screening uses blood tests to identify antibodies that indicate an autoimmune reaction to gluten, which can damage the small intestine.
Overview
A celiac disease screening is a blood test that looks for signs of celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that causes a serious allergic reaction to gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and other grains, as well as some vitamins, supplements, and personal care products.
When a person with celiac disease consumes gluten, their immune system produces antibodies that attack the lining of the small intestine. This damages the villi—the cells responsible for absorbing nutrients—making nutrient absorption difficult.
What is it used for?
The test is used to help diagnose celiac disease, monitor the condition, and determine if a gluten-free diet is effectively relieving symptoms. Common test types include:
- Tissue transglutaminase antibody (tTG), IgA test: The most common test type.
- Immunoglobulin A (IgA) test: Checks for an IgA deficiency.
- Immunoglobulin G (IgG) test: Checks for high levels of IgG.
- Deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP) antibodies test: Often used for children under 2 or those with low IgA.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary significantly between children and adults.
In Children:
- Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal bloating
- Constipation or chronic diarrhea with foul-smelling stool
- Weight loss or failure to gain weight
- Delayed puberty and irritable behavior
In Adults:
- Digestive issues: Nausea, vomiting, chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and weight loss.
- Non-digestive symptoms: Iron-deficient anemia, itchy rash (dermatitis herpetiformis), mouth sores, bone loss, depression, anxiety, fatigue, headaches, missed menstrual periods, and tingling in the hands or feet.
Preparation and Procedure
A health care professional will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm. If the test is for diagnosis, you must continue to eat foods containing gluten for a few weeks prior to the test. No special preparation is required if the test is for monitoring purposes.
Understanding Results
- Negative: You likely do not have celiac disease.
- Positive: You likely have celiac disease.
- Uncertain: It is unclear whether you have the disease.
If results are positive or uncertain, your provider may order further testing, such as a biopsy of the small intestine via endoscopy, capsule endoscopy, or genetic testing.