Celiac Disease Profile Blood Test

The Celiac Disease Profile Blood Test includes:

• Endomysial Antibodies, IgA
• Tissue transglutaminase Antibodies, IgA
• Total IgA

What is the purpose of this test?

Order Celiac Disease Profile Blood Test to measure the IgE antibody levels to help diagnose celiac disease and monitor response to a gluten-free diet. Celiac Disease (CD) is a hereditary autoimmune disease that attacks the digestive system after eating foods that contain gluten. Gluten is a protein found primarily in cereal grains like rye, barley, and wheat. 

The immune system usually combats viruses and bacteria from spreading throughout the body. However, upon consuming gluten, the immune system of individuals with celiac disease mistakenly attacks the walls of the small intestine as if it contained a virus. As a result, it causes damage to the digestive tract and prevents the body from absorbing the nutrients it needs.

This Celiac Disease Profile Blood Test screens for the following antibodies:

• Endomysial Antibodies (EMA), IgA - antibodies produced in response to chronic damage to the small intestinal walls. EMA IgA antibodies have been detected in about 100% of individuals with celiac disease and 70% of those with dermatitis herpetiformis (a gluten-sensitive condition that triggers itchy, burning, blistering rashes).
• Tissue transglutaminase Antibody (tTG), IgA - the most commonly ordered test to screen for celiac disease. This test is recommended by the American College of Gastroenterology and the American Gastroenterology Association as the most diagnostically accurate blood test for detecting celiac disease. It can also monitor the condition and help evaluate treatment effectiveness. 
• Immunoglobulin A (Total IgA) - this test is typically ordered in addition to the tTG IgA test to help detect an IgA deficiency, which occurs in approximately 2-3% of individuals with celiac disease. If you have an IgA deficiency, the test for tTG IgA may be negative even if you have celiac disease (false-negative test results). 

Why do I need a Celiac Disease Profile test?

Individuals may order a Celiac Disease Profile if they have experienced the common digestive symptoms associated with CD, such as: 

• Nausea and vomiting
• Chronic diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach pain
• Bloating and indigestion

Additionally, individuals may experience other signs or symptoms of CD unrelated to digestive issues, including:

• Iron-deficiency anemia
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Bone and joint pain
• Dental enamel loss
• Fatigue or weakness
• Mouth ulcers
• Infertility
• Osteoporosis

What foods or products contain Gluten?

Individuals with CD should avoid the following foods and products that contain gluten:

• Baked goods
• Baking mixes
• Batter-fried foods
• Beer
• Bread
• Bread crumbs
• Breaded food
• Breakfast cereal
• Candy
• Certain dairy products (ice cream)
• Certain meat products (hot dogs)
• Chips
• Couscous
• Food colorings and thickeners
• Flour (multiple varieties)
• Imitation crab meat
• Marinara sauce
• Pasta
• Salad dressings, sauces, and soy sauce
• Toothpaste
• Vitamins