The list of medical tests mentioned in various sources as used in the diagnosis of Celiac Disease includes:
Diagnosing celiac disease can be difficult because some of its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulosis, intestinal infections, chronic fatigue syndrome, and depression.
Recently, researchers discovered that people with celiac disease have higher than normal levels of certain antibodies in their blood. Antibodies are produced by the immune system in response to substances that the body perceives to be threatening. To diagnose celiac disease, physicians test blood to measure levels of antibodies to gluten. These antibodies are antigliadin, anti-endomysium, and antireticulin.
If the tests and symptoms suggest celiac disease, the physician may remove a tiny piece of tissue from the small intestine to check for damage to the villi. This is done in a procedure called a biopsy: the physician eases a long, thin tube called an endoscope through the mouth and stomach into the small intestine, and then takes a sample of tissue using instruments passed through the endoscope. Biopsy of the small intestine is the best way to diagnose celiac disease.
Screening
Screening for celiac disease involves testing
asymptomatic people for the antibodies to gluten. Americans are not
routinely screened for celiac disease. However, because celiac disease is
hereditary, family members--particularly first-degree relatives--of people
who have been diagnosed may need to be tested for the disease. About 10
percent of an affected person's first-degree relatives (parents, siblings,
or children) will also have the disease. The longer a person goes
undiagnosed and untreated, the greater the chance of developing
malnutrition and other complications.
(Source: excerpt from Celiac Disease: NIDDK)
The following medical news items are relevant to diagnosis and misdiagnosis issues for Celiac Disease:
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An elevated alkaline phosphatase level may indicate bone loss, which is commonly experienced before diagnosis. Low cholesterol and albumin levels may reflect malabsorption and malnutrition. Mildly elevated liver enzymes and abnormal blood clotting may also be noted as well as anemia.
Antibody blood tests useful in screening for celiac disease include antiendomysial antibody (IgA), antitransglutaminase (IgA), antigliadin (IgA and IgG), and total serum IgA. Combined, these antibodies provide a sensitive and specific indicator for the presence of celiac disease.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
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