Celiac & Gluten Sensitivity (blood spot)

What this laboratory test evaluates

The Celiac & Gluten Sensitivity profile from Doctor's Data helps identify, and differentiate between Celiac disease (CD), non-Celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) and wheat allergy by evaluating the serum titers of IgA for tissue transglutaminase, deamidated gliadin peptide and gliadin.

Celiac disease (CD) is often undiagnosed and is caused in genetically predisposed individuals by abnormal intestinal permeability and abnormal immune response to gluten, a protein complex found in wheat, barley, spelt and rye. The inflammatory autoimmune response is associated with extreme damage to the lining of the small bowel and is associated with diarrhea, bloating, fatigue, nutritional deficiencies, and systemic autoimmune conditions. Although most commonly diagnosed in children, CD is often not expressed until later in life (delayed onset). It has been hypothesized that a gradual or abrupt change in the gastrointestinal microbiome may be responsible for delayed on set. Non-Celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) can cause similar symptoms but without the same level of intestinal epithelial tissue damage.

Antibody tests that indicate possible CD and NCGS will only be accurate if the patient is on a gluten-inclusive diet. The test is also useful for monitoring adherence to a gluten-free diet.

Celiac Disease
CD may result in a variety of gastrointestinal (GI) and “extra-intestinal” symptoms. Common symptoms associated with CD include:

GI• Diarrhea
• Steatorrhea
• Weight loss
• Bloating
• Flatulence
• Abdominal pain

Systemic• Fatigue
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Rashes and skin problems
• Peripheral neuropathy or ataxia
• Autoimmune arthritis or neurological conditions
• Failure to thrive (infants)
• Bone disease or loss of bone density
• Malnutrition
• Hormone and fertility problems
• Abnormal liver function tests

CD is also associated with other clinical disorders including thyroiditis, type I diabetes mellitus, Down syndrome, and IgA deficiency. Patients diagnosed with CD must remain on a gluten-free diet for life and avoid all gluten containing foods and grains (wheat, rye, spelt, barley). This test is clinically useful for monitoring patient adherence to a gluten-free diet. Gluten is present in almost all processed foods and many beverages. A complete list of foods containing gluten may be found at www.doctorsdata.com under 'Hidden Sources of Ingredients'

Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)
Individuals with NCGS are often spared the intestinal damage common in Celiac patients, but suffer from abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and many “extra-intestinal” symptoms such as “foggy mind”, depression, ADHD-like behavior, headaches, bone or joint pain, and chronic fatigue when they have gluten in their diet. There are many antigenic triggers (epitopes) in the gluten protein complex that have cytotoxic, immunomodulatory, and gut permeating properties.

Immune cells activated in the sub-endothelial space in the gut circulate throughout the body. Up to 50% of NCGS patients may only test positive for IgG anti-gliadin antibodies when on a gluten-inclusive diet.

Additional test information

Celiac disease (CD) is often undiagnosed and is caused in genetically predisposed individuals by abnormal intestinal permeability and abnormal immune response to gluten, a protein complex found in wheat, barley, spelt and rye. The inflammatory autoimmune response damages the lining of the small bowel and is associated with diarrhea, bloating, fatigue, nutritional deficiencies, and systemic autoimmune conditions. Gluten sensitivity can cause similar symptoms but without the same level of tissue damage. The Celiac & Gluten Sensitivity profile from Doctor’s Data helps differentiate between CD and gluten sensitivity by evaluating the serum titers of IgA for deamidated gliadin peptide and gliadin.

Collection and processing

• Sample type: Bloodspot
• Fasting: No
• Estimated laboratory processing: Results should arrive 3 to 5 days after the lab receives samples.

How Sunridge uses laboratory information

Sunridge considers the medical question, symptoms, history, medications, prior results, and whether the finding could change care before recommending testing. A laboratory result is not interpreted in isolation and does not establish a diagnosis by itself.

Before requesting this test

Availability, collection requirements, eligibility, and processing estimates can change. Sunridge reviews each request and, when appropriate, creates the order through Fullscript. Follow the current instructions supplied with the approved order.

Related Sunridge care

Learn how Sunridge approaches Autoimmune Diseases, Digestive Conditions and ask whether this test is appropriate for your clinical question.