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Raghavendra, a 45-year-old man, was suffering for quite some time. He was facing issues with allergic reactions of various types on a daily basis. Once he consulted his doctor, he was asked to undergo a celiac disease test. The results confirmed that he had this ailment, and was intolerant towards gluten. He consumed wheat on a regular basis and this could have been the trigger for the issue to flare up periodically.
Celiac disease is a disorder of the immune system which leads to allergic responses of the body towards gluten. The protein contained in barley, wheat, rye and other items is known as gluten. Gluten is also present in items like medicines, toothpaste and lipstick in some cases. A good celiac disease test will try to find antibodies for gluten within the bloodstream. Antibodies are nothing but substances which combat diseases within the immune systems of our bodies. The immune system is supposed to combat bacteria and viruses although with this disease, consumption of gluten leads to the immune system targeting the small intestine lining in turn and damages the villi. This may lead to digestive system issues and prevent the body from absorbing vital nutrients that it requires for growth and development.
The celiac blood test is also known as the celiac disease antibody test, anti-endomysial antibodies, anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody or anti-TG and deamidated gliadin peptide antibodies among other names. It is used for diagnosis and tracking of celiac disease along with understanding whether a gluten-free dietary regime is helpful in relieving celiac disease symptoms in adults.
An Overview of Celiac Disease Test
| Name of the Test | Celiac Disease Test |
| Reason for Testing | Diagnosis, Monitoring of Celiac Disease and determine the impact of gluten-free diets on relieving symptoms. |
| Symptoms | Digestive disorders, sudden weight loss, lower appetite, pain in the abdomen, vomiting and nausea, constipation, diarrhea, etc. |
| Results | Positive, Negative and Uncertain |
| Also Included in | Health Insurance Plans |
| Cost | Rs. 1,100 – Rs. 1,500 |
When is the celiac disease test necessary?
You will require in case you witness the following symptoms:
Children-
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Delayed onset of puberty
- Bloating and pain in the abdomen
- Foul-smelling stools and diarrhea
- Constipation
- Sudden loss of weight
- Irritability
Adults-
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Reduction in appetite
- Sudden loss of weight
- Pain or bloating in the abdomen
Some related symptoms in adults with this condition include the following:
- Sores in the mouth
- Bone losses
- Itchiness and rashes
- Anemia or iron deficiency
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Missing periods
- Tingling sensations in the feet and hands
Even if one does not have symptoms, sometimes a test is necessary for finding out whether there are higher risks of contracting the ailment in the future. Those with a family history of celiac disease are more likely to get the same at some stage in life. Those with type 1 diabetes or similar auto-immune ailments are also at risk in this regard.
Testing Procedure
The healthcare or diagnostic professional will draw out the blood sample from your arm with a needle. Post insertion, the blood will collect in the vial/test tube. You may feel only a little pinching or stinging sensation upon insertion. The procedure only requires a few minutes.
Is Any Preparation Required?
You should keep consuming gluten-containing food items for some weeks before testing in most cases. The doctor will give you other specific recommendations regarding preparation for the test.
Risk Factors Arising from the Test
There are almost zero risks of taking this blood test. You may feel a slight sting or pinch in the arm when the needle goes in or comes out. You may witness a little bruising or pain at the spot of the injection. However, these symptoms go away on their own and quickly at that.
Understanding the Results
The results are usually the following-
- Positive- You already have celiac disease.
- Negative- You do not have this disease.
- Indeterminate- It is still unclear as to whether you have this disease or not.
For positive or uncertain results, the doctor may require any other procedure or ask for an intestinal biopsy at times. In this procedure, the doctor will deploy a tool known as the endoscope for collecting smaller tissues from the small intestine for examination.
Conclusion
Most people suffering from celiac disease can often take concrete steps towards curing the ailment or relieving symptoms. The first and most important step here is to maintain a diet which is totally free from gluten. Even though numerous such gluten-free items are already available in recent times, it is still problematic to fully bypass gluten in one’s daily diet. The doctor may help in referring a good dietician for working out the right day-to-day consumption plan. Consumption of a healthy and balanced diet may work wonders in this regard.
Celiac Disease Test FAQs
What are the other names for the celiac disease test?
The celiac disease test has many other names. Some of them include the celiac disease antibody test, deamidated gliadin peptide antibodies, anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody or anti-TG, and anti-endomysial antibodies.
What are the three types of results in the celiac disease test?
There are three types of results that you can obtain from the test. They include Positive, where you will be diagnosed with celiac disease and Negative, which certifies that you do not have this disease. Sometimes, results may also be Indeterminate or uncertain, meaning that the diagnosis of celiac disease cannot be confirmed as of yet.
What happens if your celiac disease test result is indeterminate?
The results of the celiac disease test may sometimes be indeterminate or uncertain. In such cases, the healthcare provider may ask for some additional testing procedures to be followed. He/she may also dismiss the possibility of celiac disease. Often, an intestinal biopsy is required for following up on these test results.
What are some symptoms of those affected by celiac disease?
Some of the symptoms of celiac disease in adults include chronic diarrhea, pain in the abdomen, constipation, vomiting, nausea, headaches, fatigue, anxiety and depression. Some people also witness iron deficiencies or anemia as a result of this ailment. There are similar symptoms seen in case of children as well.
