Coeliac Disease Profile (Comprehensive) Test
The coeliac disease profile test is used to aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of coeliac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Autoimmune disorders refer to diseases where the immune system of the body attacks its own tissues. The coeliac disease profile focuses specifically on antibodies produced against the small intestine.
The coeliac disease profile typically comprises of a panel of tests designed to detect specific antibodies, such as endomysial antibodies, gliadin, HLA, and Tg antibodies. These antibodies are commonly linked to coeliac disease. Thus, getting the coeliac disease profile test done is recommended to prevent various coeliac-mediated complications.
This profile is also known as Anti-deamidated Gliadin Peptides, DGP, Endomysial Antibody, EMA, Anti-tissue Transglutaminase Antibody, tTG, Immunoglobulin A, Total IgA.
Symptoms of coeliac disease
The symptoms of coeliac disease may vary based on your age, gender, and medical history. Common symptoms include:
Digestive symptoms
Bloating (feeling fullness in the belly)
Chronic diarrhoea
Constipation
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
Weight loss
Fatigue
Headache
Depression and anxiety
Irritability (in children)
Itchy rash with blisters (mainly in adults)
Iron-deficiency anemia that does not respond to treatment
Which tests are included in the coeliac disease profile?
The coeliac disease profile measures the following parameters including:
Endomysial Antibody, IgA:
-
Endomysial antibodies (EMA) are proteins produced by the immune system in response to gluten consumption in individuals with celiac disease. They target the endomysium, a layer of connective tissue surrounding muscle fibers. This test is highly specific for celiac disease and is often used as a confirmatory test following positive results from other celiac disease screening tests.
Gliadin Antibody (DGP), IgA and IgG:
-
Gliadin antibodies are specific antibodies produced by the immune system in response to gluten ingestion. DGP IgA and IgG tests detect antibodies directed against deamidated gliadin peptides, which are more sensitive and specific markers for celiac disease compared to traditional gliadin antibodies.
HLA - Celiac disease (DR-DQB1-DQA1 Haplotype association including DQ2, DQ8):
-
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) testing assesses genetic predisposition to celiac disease. The presence of specific HLA alleles, particularly HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8, increases the risk of developing celiac disease.
Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) IgA Antibody:
-
Tissue transglutaminase is an enzyme involved in the pathogenesis of celiac disease. The immune system produces tTG IgA antibodies in response to gluten ingestion and specifically targets tissue transglutaminase. This test is highly sensitive and commonly used as an initial screening test for celiac disease.
What is the Coeliac Disease Profile used for?
A coeliac disease profile is performed to:
Diagnose coeliac disease, if you have symptoms
Monitor the prognosis and effectiveness of the treatment
Screen for signs of celiac disease if that condition runs in your family
Preparation for the test
To accurately diagnose, it is essential to consume gluten-containing foods for a designated period, typically several weeks. The diagnostic test results are reliable only if gluten is included in your diet during testing. If you're on a regular diet containing gluten, it's recommended to incorporate gluten into multiple meals daily for at least six weeks before undergoing testing. Please adhere to your doctor's advice.
No specific preparation is needed for monitoring purposes.
Interpretation of results
|
EMA, IgA |
DGP, IgA |
DGP, IgG |
HLA |
tTG, IgA |
Interpretation |
|
Normal |
Not performed |
Not performed |
Not performed |
Positive |
Presumptive celiac disease |
|
Normal |
Negative |
Negative |
Negative |
Negative |
Symptoms not likely due to celiac disease |
|
Low |
Negative |
Positive |
Positive |
Negative |
Possible celiac disease |
|
Normal |
Positive |
Positive |
Positive |
Negative |
Possible celiac disease (may be seen in children under 3 years old) |
FAQs
How is the sample collected for the coeliac disease profile test?
Your healthcare provider will insert a small needle into a vein in your upper arm and collect a few mL of blood. It might cause a feeling of slight sting or a bruise at the site of needle insertion. This usually resolves within a few minutes to a couple of hours.
Does this test pose any risks?
This test carries negligible risks. However, you may experience bleeding, infection, or bruising where the needle was inserted, as well as get a feeling of light headedness after the test is performed.
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for coeliac disease profile test results?
The test results can be obtained within 1-3 working days after the sample collection. TAT may vary, depending on the particular diagnostic clinic.
What are the complications of untreated coeliac disease?
Untreated coeliac disease can lead to various complications, including malnutrition, osteoporosis, infertility, neurological disorders, autoimmune conditions, gastrointestinal cancers, and an increased risk of other immune-related diseases such as type 1 diabetes and thyroid disorders.
What precautions should individuals diagnosed with coeliac disease take?
Individuals diagnosed with coeliac disease should strictly adhere to a lifelong gluten-free diet. They should also educate themselves on reading food labels and consider working with a dietitian specializing in coeliac disease to ensure proper nutrition and avoid accidental gluten exposure. Additionally, they may need to undergo periodic medical monitoring to assess their nutritional status and screen for potential complications or associated conditions.
Related tests
Tests At Lupin Diagnostics