Celiac Antibody Screening Panel

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.

• Tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG-IgA)
• Tissue transglutaminase IgG (tTG-IgG)
• Deamidated gliadin peptide IgA
• Deamidated gliadin peptide IgG
• Gliadin IgA
• Gliadin IgG
• Total serum IgA
• Endomysial antibodies (EMA)

Why people order this test

• Screen for celiac disease when digestive symptoms persist
• Evaluate unexplained anemia or nutrient deficiencies
• Assess risk when a close relative has celiac disease
• Check people with another linked autoimmune condition
• Provide context before a specialist referral
• Follow antibody levels in someone already diagnosed

How to prepare

No fasting is usually required. A blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically at the arm. For accurate results, testing is generally done while the person is still eating gluten, so any planned dietary change should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider first.

Understanding your results

Results are usually available within one to three business days. The report lists each antibody and whether it is elevated. A positive screening result supports further evaluation, and a qualified healthcare provider interprets the findings with symptoms, total IgA, and any additional testing.