Who Should Be Tested For Celiac?
- First-degree relatives (parents, siblings, children) of people with Celiac disease
- You have low iron or unexplained anemia
- Individuals with type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease, Down syndrome, Williams syndrome, Turner syndrome, and IgA deficiency
- Recurrent, unexplained abdominal pain
You must be on a gluten-containing diet for testing to be accurate
Bloodwork
The group of blood tests needed is called the "Celiac Panel". Think of it as a screening test, rather than a definitive answer. Although positive bloodwork suggests that Celiac disease may be present, it is not absolute. An intestinal biopsy is needed for confirmation.
Celiac Panel
- Total IGA
- IgA-tTG
- IgA-EMA
- IgG/IgA-DGP (if IgA deficient)
Endoscopy
Your bloodwork shows positive signs of Celiac disease, now what? You will now need a referral to a gastroenterologist. The doctor will perform a small intestinal tissue biopsy, also known as an endoscopy. A biopsy of the villi in the small intestine must show damage in order to confirm a diagnosis of Celiac disease. This is why it is important to remain on a gluten-containing diet. No gluten = no damage.
Genetic Testing
While anyone can take advantage of genetic testing, it is particularly useful for those who are already immersed in a gluten-free lifestyle. Many see the genetic test as convenient because it allows for the avoidance of gluten consumption (gluten challenge) and surgery (biopsy). Though <