Gliadin Antibody (DGP), IgA Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Gliadin Antibody (DGP), IgA Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | DGP IgA Test, Deamidated Gliadin Peptide IgA Antibody Test, Anti-Gliadin IgA Antibodies, DGP (IgA) Test |
| Sample Type | Serum (venous blood) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 5 days |
| Recommended For | All ages; particularly useful for children under 2 years |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,500 |
What Is a Gliadin Antibody (DGP), IgA Test?
The gliadin antibody (DGP), IgA test measures IgA antibodies against deamidated gliadin peptides in the blood. Gliadin is a protein found in gluten, which is present in wheat, barley, and rye. When the immune system reacts abnormally to gluten, it produces these antibodies. The test is primarily used to help diagnose coeliac disease, an autoimmune condition, and is also known as the DGP IgA test, deamidated gliadin peptide IgA antibody test, or anti-gliadin IgA antibodies DGP (IgA) test. A blood sample is collected from a vein, and the serum is analysed in the laboratory.
What Does a Gliadin Antibody (DGP), IgA Test Measure?
The test detects a specific type of antibody in the blood. Here is what it looks for:
| Parameter | What It Indicates |
|---|---|
| Deamidated Gliadin IgA Antibody | Presence of IgA antibodies against deamidated gliadin peptides, a key marker for coeliac disease |
A deamidated gliadin peptide is a modified form of gliadin that triggers a stronger immune reaction in people with coeliac disease. Detecting these antibodies helps confirm whether the immune system is reacting to gluten.
Why Is a Gliadin Antibody (DGP), IgA Test Done?
Doctors order this test when a patient's symptoms or history suggest a possible sensitivity or immune reaction to gluten. It is also used to monitor people already diagnosed with coeliac disease.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to request a gliadin antibody (DGP), IgA test:
- Persistent diarrhoea or constipation
- Bloating and abdominal discomfort
- Unexplained fatigue
- Anaemia (low red blood cell count)
- Malabsorption, meaning the body is not absorbing nutrients properly
- Unexplained weight loss
- Weakness or general low energy
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test is used to identify or evaluate the following conditions:
- Coeliac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten
- Suspected coeliac disease in people with inconclusive or weak-positive results on other antibody tests, such as tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG-IgA) or endomysial antibody IgA (EMA-IgA)
- Gluten sensitivity with clinical features of coeliac disease
Gliadin Antibody (DGP), IgA Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
For patients diagnosed with coeliac disease, this test is a useful tool for tracking how well treatment is working. A fall in antibody levels after starting a gluten-free diet generally suggests the body is responding well. The first follow-up is typically recommended three to six months after beginning the diet, and in some patients, antibody levels may take up to a year to return to normal. Persistent elevation may indicate continued gluten exposure or, in rare cases, refractory coeliac disease.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test, but a few steps will help ensure your results are accurate.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before this test. You can eat and drink normally on the day of your appointment. However, it is important that you continue to eat foods containing gluten in the weeks before your test.
If you have already reduced or stopped gluten consumption, speak to your doctor, as you may need to resume a normal gluten-containing diet for two to eight weeks before testing. Results can be affected if gluten has been avoided. Always follow specific instructions provided by your doctor.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before your sample is collected:
- Continue eating gluten-containing foods (bread, wheat, rye, and barley) in the weeks before the test. If you have already reduced gluten in your diet, inform your doctor, as you may need to reintroduce it for two to eight weeks before testing
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and any relevant medical records, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and vitamins you are currently taking
- Drink enough water before the blood draw to stay well hydrated
- Wear clothing with sleeves that can be easily rolled up for the blood collection
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect during the DGP test procedure:
- A trained phlebotomist (a person who draws blood) will ask you to sit comfortably and expose the inner elbow area.
- The skin at the collection site is cleaned with an antiseptic wipe.
- A tourniquet (an elastic band) is tied around the upper arm to make the vein more visible.
- A fine needle is inserted into a vein, and a small blood sample is drawn into a serum separator tube.
- The needle is removed, and a cotton swab or bandage is placed on the site. The entire procedure takes only a few minutes.
- The sample is stored at the appropriate temperature and dispatched to the laboratory for analysis.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence your test results:
- Following a gluten-free diet before testing can lead to falsely low or negative results
- Low total IgA levels (IgA deficiency) can cause false-negative results
- Certain medications and supplements may interfere with results
- Poor sample handling or storage can affect accuracy
Understanding Your Gliadin Antibody (DGP), IgA Test Results
Your results should always be reviewed by your doctor alongside your symptoms and medical history. The table below shows general reference ranges for this test:
| Parameter | Negative (Normal) | Positive |
|---|---|---|
| Deamidated Gliadin IgA Antibody | Less than 15 U/mL | 15 U/mL or above |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations can affect how results should be interpreted:
- In people with low or absent IgA levels (IgA deficiency), this test may give a false-negative result. In such cases, IgG-based tests, such as DGP IgG or tTG IgG, are recommended instead.
- If you are already following a gluten-free diet, antibody levels may appear falsely low. Always inform your doctor about any dietary changes.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
SATB2 is a diagnostic marker used in cancer evaluation, not a value that fluctuates with lifestyle choices. However, the following general tips support colorectal health:
- Adults aged 45 and above, or those with a family history of colorectal cancer, should discuss regular screening such as a colonoscopy with their doctor.
- Consult a doctor promptly if you experience persistent abdominal discomfort, blood in the stool, or unexplained weight loss.
- A diet with adequate fibre, vegetables, and limited processed meats is generally associated with lower colorectal cancer risk.
Lupin Diagnostics Gliadin Antibody (DGP), IgA Test Price and Home Collection
The DGP test cost starts at ₹1,500 at Lupin Diagnostics, with home sample collection available across major cities. The table below provides indicative city-wise pricing:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1700 |
| CHENNAI | 800 |
| HYDERABAD | 800 |
| KOLKATA | 1900 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1500 |
| PUNE | 1500 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
Home Collection
DGP test home collection is available across cities through Lupin Diagnostics. A certified phlebotomist visits your home at your chosen time to collect the blood sample. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories, and your digital report is shared directly with you once ready.
How to Book
Follow these steps for DGP test online booking:
- Select the gliadin antibody (DGP), IgA test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both tests help detect coeliac disease, but they work slightly differently. The tTG IgA test is typically the first-line test for adults with adequate IgA levels, as it is highly sensitive and specific. The gliadin antibody (DGP), IgA test is often used alongside tTG IgA or when tTG results are borderline or negative. Your doctor will decide which tests are appropriate for you.
In very young children, the tTG IgA test may be less reliable. The gliadin antibody (DGP), IgA test can be a more useful option in this age group and is often ordered alongside other coeliac antibody tests to improve diagnostic accuracy.
It is best to have this test done while you are still eating gluten-containing foods. If you have already started a gluten-free diet, your results may appear normal even if you have coeliac disease. Speak with your doctor before testing; they may ask you to reintroduce gluten for a few weeks first.
Once coeliac disease is confirmed and a gluten-free diet has begun, the DGP test can be repeated after three to six months to check whether antibody levels are falling. Declining levels suggest the diet is effective. Persistently high levels may point to continued gluten exposure.
A positive result suggests that your immune system is producing antibodies against gliadin, which is consistent with coeliac disease. A positive finding is usually followed by further tests, such as intestinal biopsy, to confirm the diagnosis. Your doctor will guide you through the next steps.
Yes, in some cases other conditions such as Crohn's disease can also cause the body to produce gliadin antibodies. A positive gliadin antibody (DGP), IgA test result is therefore always interpreted alongside your full clinical picture, including symptoms and other test findings.
Gliadin Antibody (DGP), IgA Test: Booking, Price, and Results
