Gluten Intolerance Test

Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity Profile ELISA blood test is used to detect the presence of antibodies like immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) against the gluten protein. This test helps to know the immune response of the body towards gluten in individuals with celiac disease.

What is a Celiac Gluten Sensitivity?

A celiac gluten sensitivity is an allergic reaction to the gluten in individuals with celiac disease. Gluten is a major group of proteins found in wheat, rye, and barley. Gluten consists of two proteins namely glutenin and gliadin. Among these two proteins, gliadin is responsible for the negative reactions in the body. Most of the people are free from a gluten allergy. If you have a family history of celiac disease, then you are at high risk for developing celiac gluten sensitivity.

Individuals with a health condition called celiac disease may have a gluten allergy. This condition is called celiac gluten sensitivity. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder, where the body causes an abnormal immune response to gluten. Individuals with this condition when they take gluten-containing foods can lead to damage of intestines. The signs and symptoms of celiac disease in children are constipation, stomach pain, severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, pale colored and foul stool. Adults with celiac disease may show signs and symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, anemia, joint pain, missed menstrual periods, infertility, miscarriages, tingling in the hands and feet, etc.

Individuals with celiac gluten sensitivity should avoid gluten-containing foods to prevent the worsening of the existing condition. Common food containing gluten are wheat, bread, barley, wheat berries, pasta, cereals, cakes, cookies, malted milk or milkshakes etc. Such individuals should follow a gluten-free or wheat-free lifestyle.

Some individuals who do not have celiac disease also may be allergic to gluten. This condition is called non-celiac gluten sensitivity or gluten intolerance. Individuals with non-celiac gluten sensitivity may also exhibit similar signs and symptoms as of celiac disease. The signs and symptoms of non-celiac gluten sensitivity are red, itchy bumps, foggy brain, pounding headaches, stomach bloating, fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, rashes, depression, anxiety, pins, and needles problem in the hands and feet etc.

Individuals who show the presence of antibodies like immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) against the gluten protein in the blood may have a celiac gluten sensitivity.

Why this test is performed?

This test is performed when you are suspected to have a celiac gluten sensitivity. Your doctor may ask to perform this test if you experience signs and symptoms of celiac gluten sensitivity such as red, itchy bumps, foggy brain, pounding headaches, stomach bloating, fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, rashes, depression, anxiety, pins, and needles problem in the hands and feet etc. This test may also be performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment, if already diagnosed.

How often this test is performed?

If you have a family history of celiac disease or wheat allergy, then you may have to perform this test every 6 months or a yearly basis. If you are diagnosed with a celiac gluten sensitivity then your doctor may ask to perform this test on a regular basis.

The normal reference range may vary depending on gender, age, health history, etc. If your test result shows the presence of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in the blood it may indicate that the person is most likely to have a celiac gluten sensitivity.

The absence of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies or if not detected in the blood may indicate that the person is unlikely to have a celiac gluten sensitivity.

Based on the test results, your doctor may advise appropriate medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, or further diagnostic tests