What is celiac disease testing?
The celiac disease test is the test for anti-Tra antibodies.
What is the celiac disease test?
Celiac disease testing is the test for anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG-IgA) antibodies. It is used to help specialists diagnose celiac disease, which is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks gluten, the protein found in rye, wheat and oats. When this occurs, the immune system produces antibodies that attack tsular transglutaminase (tTG), an enzyme present in the intestine.
What does it consist of?
The test consists of a blood test, whereby a sample is drawn. The specialist will follow the following process, in the few minutes that the test lasts:
- Clean the skin
- Place a rubber band on the arm so that the veins swell with blood.
- Insert the needle into the vein: it can be on the inside of the elbow or on the back of the hand.
- Place the blood sample in a container
- Remove the rubber band from the arm and withdraw the needle from the vein.
Why is it done?
Celiac disease testing or tTG-lgA testing is usually done when a child has symptoms of celiac disease, such as abdominal pain, failure to thrive, constipation, diarrhea, skin rash or vomiting. Also when children are more prone to celiac disease, because they suffer from other diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, a thyroid disease, or because they have a family history of celiac disease.
Preparation for the celiac disease test
To perform the test, the child must be on a diet containing gluten-containing foods until the day of the test. The child can eat and drink normally, except if they have to perform an extra test that requires fasting.
It is important to inform the specialist in Clinical Analysis or Digestive System who is going to perform the test about any medication that the child is taking, since they can alter the results.
It is a simple analysis but children may feel more nervous than usual, so it is recommended to make the work easier for the health personnel: put the child in a short-sleeved shirt on the day of the test and try to distract him/her during the test.
What does the test feel like?
This is a conventional blood test, so the extraction will only cause slight temporary discomfort, with a slight prick. The specialist will cover the area with absorbent cotton or a band-aid. In some cases a small hematoma may appear but it usually disappears within a few days.
Meaning of abnormal results
The results are analyzed on a machine, and will take a few days. If the results are abnormal, the pediatrician will be the one to determine the best treatment or routine to carry out.
If you need a celiac test, you can buy it online and choose the laboratory closest to you.