Anti Gliadin IgA
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder. It may occur when there is an unusual immune response to a protein called gluten, which is found in rye, barley, wheat etc. The antibodies that are produced act against the constituents of the villi, as a result of which the villi are damaged, leading to inflammation, malabsorption and malnutrition. The serological test measures the levels of such antibodies in a body. A blood test for celiac disease measures the levels of Anti-gliadin IgA antibodies in the blood.
Why is the test ordered?
The test may be recommended for patients with symptoms of celiac disease or for those people who are at increased risks of developing celiac disease. It may also be used for monitoring treatment involving gluten-free diet.
When is the test ordered?
When a physician notices that someone experiences signs and symptoms indicative of celiac disease, i.e. malnutrition or malabsorption, he or she may order the test. The typical gastrointestinal signs and symptoms include:
The other signs and symptoms may include
How is the sample collected?
A blood sample is collected from a vein in the arm.
How to prepare for the test?
The patient taking the test must not stop consuming any food that contains gluten including bread, baked food and pasta. This is because when a person constantly gets exposed to or consumes gluten diet, only then will he will be able to produce antibodies against it. But for those persons who have already been diagnosed and are being monitored, they don’t need preparation of any sort.
