Celiac & Gluten Sensitivity (blood spot)

The Celiac & Gluten Sensitivity profile from Doctor's Data helps identify, and differentiate between Celiac disease (CD), non-Celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) and wheat allergy by evaluating the serum titers of IgA for tissue transglutaminase, deamidated gliadin peptide and gliadin.

Celiac disease (CD) is often undiagnosed and is caused in genetically predisposed individuals by abnormal intestinal permeability and abnormal immune response to gluten, a protein complex found in wheat, barley, spelt and rye. The inflammatory autoimmune response is associated with extreme damage to the lining of the small bowel and is associated with diarrhea, bloating, fatigue, nutritional deficiencies, and systemic autoimmune conditions.  Although most commonly diagnosed in children, CD is often not expressed until later in life (delayed onset). It has been hypothesized that a gradual or abrupt change in the gastrointestinal microbiome may be responsible for delayed on set.  Non-Celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) can cause similar symptoms but without the same level of intestinal epithelial tissue damage.

Antibody tests that indicate possible CD and NCGS will only be accurate if the patient is on a gluten-inclusive diet.  The test is also useful for monitoring adherence to a gluten-free diet.

Celiac Disease
CD may result in a variety of gastrointestinal (GI) and “extra-intestinal” symptoms.  Common symptoms associated with CD include:

GI

CD is also associated with other clinical disorders including thyroiditis, type I diabetes mellitus, Down syndrome, and IgA deficiency.  Patients diagnosed with CD must remain on a gluten-free diet for life and avoid all gluten containing foods and grains (wheat, rye, spelt, barley).  This test is clinically useful for monitoring patient adherence to a gluten-free diet. Gluten is present in almost all processed foods and many beverages. A complete list of foods containing gluten may be found at www.doctorsdata.com under 'Hidden Sources of Ingredients'

Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)
Individuals with NCGS are often spared the intestinal damage common in Celiac patients, but suffer from abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and many “extra-intestinal” symptoms such as “foggy mind”, depression, ADHD-like behavior, headaches, bone or joint pain, and chronic fatigue when they have gluten in their diet.  There are many antigenic triggers (epitopes) in the gluten protein complex that have cytotoxic, immunomodulatory, and gut permeating properties.

Immune cells activated in the sub-endothelial space in the gut circulate throughout the body. Up to 50% of NCGS patients may only test positive for IgG anti-gliadin antibodies when on a gluten-inclusive diet.

Please read all of the directions, and familiarize yourself with the collection
procedures.

Fasting is not required for these tests. It is generally recommended to refrain
from taking non-essential medications and dietary supplements (especially
biotin) for 72 hours prior to the specimen collection unless otherwise instructed
by your physician. Never discontinue prescription medications without first
consulting your physician.

Celiac/Gluten testing should not be performed on patients currently on a
gluten-free diet, unless used to monitor long-term compliance, or as otherwise
directed by your physician.