The Celiac Test

Celiac symptoms sometimes come and go and some symptoms are permanent. A person may have celiac, have no current noticable symptoms ("silent symptoms"), and still have harmful autoimmune activity brewing.

 

Physician knowledge of celiac is generally still limited. For 97% of celiac cases, doctors have not diagnosed the condition. When celiac is diagnosed, most doctors have no idea what to do or suggest, aside from mention of the gluten-free diet.

 

If you ask your doctor to test you and your request is refused for any reason, find another doctor. The test is a simple blood test, and should be part of every thorough physical check-up. (There is a Celiac Home Test on the market in Europe, Africa, Asia, and is being evaluated by the FDA. )

 

Celiac Blood Test Series, or Celiac Panel
Anti-endomysial antibodies(EMA)- IgA
Anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies(tTG)-IgA
Total IgA levels

 

If you've had negative test results previously and have symptoms, you should request that the test be repeated. There is NO good reason not to include this test with other blood work to investigate health issues.
(The one possible exception at this time is completely negative genetic testing.)

 

DO get tested if you have a family member with celiac.  

If you have any Related Health conditions, get tested. 

 

If prescription or over-the-counter items medication has been taken to treat a chronic related condition, you should be tested.

Chances are, when it was originally prescribed, celiac was not eliminated as a cause.

 

Test & Test Results
A positive celiac test result is confirmation of presence of celiac disease antibodies. 

Some Negative test results are really a "maybe". It is possible to have celiac and have a negative result multiple times before the antibodies level registers a positive test result.

This article offers a fascinating explanation about the antibodies and testing: About Blood Tests.  

• CBC (complete blood count) to look for anemia
   
• ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) to evaluate inflammation
   
• CRP (C-Reactive protein) to evaluate inflammation
   
• CMP (comprehensive metabolic panel) to determine electrolyte, protein, and calcium levels, and to verify the status of the kidney and liver
   
• Vitamin D, E, and B12 to measure vitamin deficiencies
   
• Malabsorption analysis, since those with celiac disease may also have conditions such as lactose intolerance, food intolerance and food allergies.
   
• Anti-tTG, AGA, and/or EMA testing at intervals is crucial to monitor compliance with a gluten-free diet.

 

 

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