Coeliac disease profile-2 Comprehensive

This profile contains all the tests required for diagnosis of Coeliac disease. Definitive diagnosis is achieved through jejunal biopsy demonstrating villous atrophy. To avoid unnecessary biopsy a battery of the tests can be judiciously interpreted

All of the tests necessary for the diagnosis of coeliac disease are included in this profile. This battery of tests can be wisely interpreted to prevent needless biopsies. By establishing villous atrophy during the jejunal biopsy, a definitive diagnosis is made when necessary.

Individual tests in this profile are available to measure tTG IgA, Endomysial antibody IgA, Gliadin IgA/G and presence of HLA DQ2 & HLA DQ8 type

Celiac disease test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer. Sample may be collected in serum and ACD tube

To test for antibodies like anti-tTG, quantitative immunoglobulin A (IgA), and deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP) antibodies, a sample of your blood is obtained. The site of injection will be cleaned with alcohol before obtaining the sample. An elastic band will be tightly fastened across your upper arm and you will be asked to make a fist. This will stop the blood flow and fill the vein from where blood will be collected. A needle will be inserted and blood collected in a vacutainer. This might feel like a prick and tenderness in the area, if any, will resolve in some time.

tTG IgA is the best test to start with unless patient is less than 2 years or IgA deficient, in such a case Gliadin IgG is preferred. For IgA deficient patients tTG IgG may be used.
If tTG IgA results are positive one may proceed for confirmatory test (biopsy). If results are equivocal then test for gliadin and endomysial antibody, which if found positive then proceed for confirmatory test. If gliadin & endomysial antibody are negative then test for presence of HLA DQ 2 and HLA DQ 8. Absence of these two HLA indicates patient is not having coeliac disease (this test if positive is not conclusive)

Individuals suffering from symptoms, such as diarrhoea, bloating, weight loss, anaemia, dermatitis, and exhaustion, and having a family history of coeliac disease should get themselves tested.

To avoid pointless testing, genetic testing is advised for celiac disease in relatives, especially youngsters. Every three to five years, screening first-degree relatives who are gene positive is recommended.

Only those with specific genes are susceptible to developing coeliac disease. If a member of your family has coeliac disease, you are much more likely to get it yourself. All across the world, celiac disease affects both children and adults. Females are diagnosed with celiac disease more frequently than males are. Those suffering from the symptoms of coeliac disease mentioned above should go for the test.

Your family's medical history, the foods you have been eating, and your medical history should all be disclosed to the doctor. The doctor will provide certain instructions which should be observed for a precise outcome based on the data given. As it is a blood test, it is best to dress comfortably so the doctor may easily draw a blood sample.

1. Celiac sprue
2. Nontropical sprue
3. Gluten-sensitive enteropathy
4. Gliadin Antibody IgG
5. Gliadin Antibody IgA
6. Tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTg IgA)
7. Endomysial IgA
8. Human Leukocyte Antigens
9. HLA DQ2
10. HLA DQ8