Click the image for my Vegan Coconut Cream Pie Recipe!
I’m frequently asked about how Celiac disease (CD) is diagnosed. As awareness of the disease and its symptoms increases, more people are wondering if they might have it. That’s an in-depth topic best discussed with your internist; however, I thought it would be helpful to provide you with a brief and basic overview of tests used along the road to diagnosis of CD.
I’ll also share a novel test being investigated that has promise as an accurate screening tool for CD. That could mean a less invasive, simpler diagnosis. This is particularly encouraging when it comes to diagnosing our children with food allergies.
I’ll also share a novel test being investigated that has promise as an accurate screening tool for CD. That could mean a less invasive, simpler diagnosis. This is particularly encouraging when it comes to diagnosing our children with food allergies.
Testing for Celiac Disease
Note: For accurate results, testing for Celiac disease must be performed when the individual is still eating gluten and has not yet begun a gluten free diet.
The definitive test for diagnosing CD is taking a tissue sample, or biopsy, from the small intestine lining. It is not typically the first test administered to a potential Celiac.
First, several blood tests (also referred to as serological screenings) are performed. This is because blood tests are more practical, more affordable, and less invasive than a biopsy.
To understand how these blood tests work, let’s remember what happens inside the body of a Celiac when gluten is consumed.
Inside the body of an individual with CD, gluten is a threat to the body’s natural defense system (the immune system). When gluten enters, the immune system begins working hard to protect the body.
Think of this as you would the way your body works to fight off a cold or the flu. In that case, unwanted bacteria or a virus enters and the body’s natural defense mechanism kicks in to fight the threat to the system so that you’re feeling better soon.
When the immune system attacks an invader, whether it is gluten or bacteria, antibodies are produced. That’s why an individual with CD who is not yet on a gluten free diet will have higher levels of certain antibodies in their blood.
Blood tests for CD assess levels of certain antibodies. Depending on your physician, some antibodies tested are: tTG (anti-tissue transglutaminase), EMA (anti-endomysium), DGP (anti-deamidated gliadin peptides), IgA (Immunoglobulin gamma A), IgG (Immunoglobulin gamma G). These blood tests have generally been considered accurate for detecting CD.
Now, there’s another test that some say may be just as accurate... No needles involved!
What Research Says about
Salivary Screening for Celiac Disease
It’s controversial, but recent research indicates potential CD patients may be able to forego the needle altogether. Just this year, a group of scientists tested over 4,000 saliva samples from school-age children. The researchers were looking for antibodies specific to CD.
To determine how accurate the saliva test was, children testing positive for CD in the saliva test also had blood tests for CD. Those results were compared to the saliva test results. The saliva test had a 97% accuracy rate for detecting CD in the children!
Further testing with small intestine biopsy showed a 90% accuracy rate for the saliva test in this group. For every 10 children who tested positive for CD with saliva screening, 9 were confirmed to have CD after a small intestine biopsy.
While the saliva test isn't 100% accurate, it's showing to be a useful, inexpensive, and non-invasive screening tool. It can also be especially helpful when testing children who might have a "needle phobia"!
Of course, I’ll keep you posted on updated research I find regarding CD screening. Meantime, you might want to keep this simple testing option in mind and ask your health care provider about it if CD is a concern.
This Week’s Trivia Question... Answered!
The Question: What is in your MOUTH that can reveal whether or not you have Celiac disease?
The Answer: That’s right! Your saliva may hold the answers to what’s going on in other areas of your body!
Screening services for the saliva test for food allergies are available in the U.S. from Cyrex Lab and BioHealth Diagnostic. Most alternative medicine providers are familiar with the saliva screening tests available for CD and other food allergies and sensitivities.
~g~
Click the image for my Simple Applesauce Recipe!
I hope this “A Side of Science” provided useful information for you!
If you are on a special diet (and even if you aren't!), remember to take a look and try some of my gluten free, dairy free, soy free, nut free recipes here at GlutenFreeGigi.com to see how tasty a special diet for your food allergy can be!
And don’t forget to stay connected!
If you have questions, comments, or even a recipe that you’d like me to help you adapt to fit your special diet, drop me a note: mailbox (at) glutenfreegigi (dot) com. I’d love to hear from you!
Remember, my mission here at GlutenFreeGigi.com is to share my experience and knowledge to help you navigate your life comfortably and confidently regardless of which special diet or food allergy you are dealing with.
Gluten Free Gigi Fall Tour 2011 Begins TODAY!
My travels begin with the 34th Annual Celiac Sprue Association Conference in San Diego September 15-18. This important educational conference features top researchers and physicians like Dr. Martin Kagnoff, Dr. Greg Harmon, and Dr. Peter Green.
I’ll be learning more about Celiac disease and bringing that information to you soon right here on GlutenFreeGigi.com, so stay tuned!
To keep you updated on the conference and all the exciting new info about health, nutrition, and special diets, I’ll be “live tweeting” during the conference! Follow me on Twitter and look for the hashtag #GFGigiFallTour2011! I’ll also keep the Gluten Free Gigi Facebook page updated so don’t forget to “Like” us there so you don’t miss a thing!
Up Next on GlutenFreeGigi.com...
Just because I’m away doesn’t mean you have to miss an exciting new group of helpful How-To Videos! As always, on Tuesday, we’ll have another trio of simple, affordable dishes! Next week, don’t miss the nutritious international meal I have for you!
Thanks for stopping by! Regardless of your food allergy or health goals, know that what I’m doing here at GlutenFreeGigi.com is for YOU because I understand what being on a special diet means!
Have a look around, get comfortable, and come back often to check out new information and recipes each Tuesday and Thursday. Please feel free to leave a comment below or get your special diet and food allergy questions answered by sending me an email at mailbox (at) glutenfreegigi (dot) com. I’ll always get back to you!
I’m glad we’re sharing the journey!
xo,
Gluten Free Gigi
Don’t take my word for it... Check my sources!
Margherita et al, 2011, First salivary screening of celiac disease by detection of anti-transglutaminase autoantibody radioimmunoassay in 5000 Italian primary schoolchildren. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition, Jan. 2011, vol. 52, issue 1.
Hakeem et al, 1992, Salivary IgA antigliadin antibody as a marker for coelic [celiac]disease. Archives of Diseases in Childhood, 67: 724-727.
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