Description WHAT IS CELIAC TEST FOR? Celiac Test has the function of checking the presence of specific antibodies against DGP, both IgA and IgG, within the blood, in order to verify a possible presence of celiac disease, which must be confirmed by a physician. WHAT IS CELIAC DISEASE? Celiac disease, also known as “celiac sprue”, is an autoimmune disorder that involves the digestive process of the small intestine. It’s a chronic inflammatory disorder produced by the ingestion of dietary gluten products in susceptible people. It can have both environmental and hereditary factors: those who have celiac family members, in fact, are more likely to incur the disease during their lifetime. Celiac disease is defined as a permanent intolerance to gluten, a substance contained in wheat and composed of gliadin and glutenin. Gluten helps maintain food shape, acting like a glue that holds them together. Gliadin is the protein component of gluten, responsible for the immune system reaction, due to intestinal inflammation. In celiac subjects the immune system reacts against gluten damaging the intestinal wall, responsible for the absorption of nutrients. Cereals which contain gluten are: oats, wheat, barley, kamut, spelled, rye, spelled and triticale. WHO DOES USE THE CELIAC TEST? The Celiac Test is useful for anyone who wants to verify the presence of a possible intolerance to gluten, in particular patients with symptoms (abdominal bloating and pain, chronic diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, pale, foul-smelling or fatty stool, weight loss, fatigue, irritability and behavioural issues, dental enamel defects of the permanent teeth, delayed growth and puberty), patients with a first degree family member with CD, patients with Type I diabetes. HOW DOES THE CELIAC TEST WORK? Unlike common Celiac Disease Screening tests, which detect only the presence of IgA antibodies, the PRIMA® Lab Celiac Test identifies anti-DGP antibodies of both class A and G. This because many subjects have an IgA deficiency, often unknown, which could lead to false results if the parameter detected is only the immunoglobulin A. Celiac Test is based on an immunochromatographic reaction: if the antibodies IgA and IgG are present into the sample, they will react with the deamidated gliadin and a red band will appear in the test area. A positive result indicates that the antibody concentration is close to the determined cut-off. Results at home in just 10 minutes. WHEN SHOULD I DO THE CELIAC TEST? The Celiac Test can be performed if you notice the typical symptoms related to this condition, like: abdominal swelling, persistent diarrhea, malnutrition, weight loss, rash, stomach pain, constipation, ulcers in the mouth, tingling, numbness, anxiety or depression and tiredness. Even in the absence of these symptoms, if there is an iron, vitamin B or folate deficiency it could mean that the body is not properly taking the necessary nutrients.
