Celiac Disease Antibody Test in California

What this test measures

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which eating gluten leads to inflammation and damage in the small intestine. The immune response produces antibodies that can be measured in the blood, including tissue transglutaminase antibodies and antibodies against deamidated gliadin peptides. Screening these markers can support the decision to pursue further evaluation.

The panel includes IgG and IgA versions of the key antibodies and often a total serum IgA measurement. Total IgA matters because some people have an IgA deficiency, which can make IgA-based antibody tests falsely low. If IgA deficiency is present, IgG-based markers are especially useful. The sample is a standard blood draw, and no special timing is required.

This test is a screening tool and does not replace a small bowel biopsy or a specialist evaluation. A positive result supports the possibility of celiac disease but does not confirm it, and a negative result does not exclude it, particularly if the person has reduced gluten intake. A qualified healthcare provider decides whether additional testing is needed.

People may be tested when they have persistent digestive symptoms, unexplained anemia or nutrient deficiencies, a family history of celiac disease, or another autoimmune condition that is sometimes associated with it. Testing while still eating gluten is important for accuracy, though any change in diet should be discussed with a provider first.