Celiac Disease Profile II Blood Test

What is the purpose of this test?

The Celiac Disease Profile II Blood Test is used to help diagnose celiac disease, a serious autoimmune disorder triggered by eating gluten—a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, their immune system attacks the lining of the small intestine, leading to poor absorption of nutrients and a wide range of health problems. This test measures specific celiac antibodies in your blood to help detect an immune response caused by gluten ingestion. It is especially useful for individuals who have unexplained digestive symptoms, chronic fatigue, or a family history of celiac disease.

Diagnosing celiac diseaseearly is crucial because it can lead to long-term complications such as osteoporosis, infertility, neurological conditions, and even certain types of cancer if left untreated. This celiac blood panel offers a more complete screening by testing for different types of antibodies, increasing the accuracy of detection. It is a non-invasive, reliable method to identify if your symptoms are related to gluten sensitivity or another underlying issue, allowing your doctor to determine the next best steps, such as confirming the diagnosis with a biopsy or starting a gluten-free diet.

The Celiac Disease Profile II Blood Test includes:

• Endomysial Antibodies, IgA (EMA-IgA): These antibodies target the lining of the small intestine. Their presence strongly suggests celiac disease and is often used as a confirmatory marker due to high specificity.
• Tissue Transglutaminase Antibodies, IgA (tTG-IgA): The most commonly used screening test for celiac disease. It detects an immune reaction to gluten that damages the intestinal lining.
• Tissue Transglutaminase Antibodies, IgG (tTG-IgG): This test is helpful for people with IgA deficiency, a condition that makes the tTG-IgA test less accurate.
• Total IgA: This test checks the overall level of IgA in the blood. It is important because a deficiency in IgA could lead to false-negative results in other celiac antibody tests.

Who should get this test?

The Celiac Disease Profile II Blood Test may benefit individuals who:

• Experience frequent bloating, gas, or stomach pain after eating
• Have chronic diarrhea, constipation, or other unexplained digestive issues
• Are chronically tired or fatigued without clear reason
• Have iron deficiency anemia or other vitamin deficiencies
• Show signs of unexplained weight loss
• Have a family history of celiac disease or autoimmune disorders
• Have dermatitis herpetiformis, an itchy skin rash linked to gluten sensitivity
• Are being evaluated for gluten intolerance or non-celiac gluten sensitivity

When should I order the Celiac Disease Profile II Blood Test?

Individuals may consider ordering this test if they have symptoms related to celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Symptoms to consider:

• Digestive issues such as bloating, diarrhea, or constipation
• Unexplained weight loss or poor growth (in children)
• Persistent fatigue or weakness
• Skin rash, especially itchy or blistering
• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
• Mood changes such as depression or irritability
• Joint pain or swelling
• Mouth ulcers or frequent canker sores

If you have these symptoms or suspect gluten may be affecting your health, the Celiac Disease Profile II Blood Test can provide useful information to guide you and your doctor in managing your health and identifying the need for a gluten-free diet.