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Gliadin IgA Antibodies
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No Fasting Required
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Detects antibodies to gliadin.
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Gliadin IgA Antibodies Test Information Guide
- Why is it done?
- Measures IgA antibodies produced against gliadin, a protein component of gluten found in wheat, barley, and rye
- Screens for celiac disease, the most common autoimmune response to gluten ingestion
- Evaluates patients presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms such as chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, and malabsorption
- Investigates non-gastrointestinal symptoms including dermatitis herpetiformis, anemia, osteoporosis, and neurological manifestations
- Part of initial celiac disease screening panel, typically ordered alongside tissue transglutaminase (tTG) IgA antibodies
- Identifies patients with IgA deficiency who may require alternative testing methods
- Performed when patients remain on a gluten-containing diet to ensure test sensitivity and validity
- Normal Range
- Reference Range: Less than 20 U/mL or less than 1.0 arbitrary units (AU/mL) depending on laboratory methodology
- Units of Measurement: U/mL (Units per milliliter) or AU/mL (Arbitrary Units per milliliter)
- Negative Result: Values within the reference range indicate no detectable gliadin IgA antibodies; celiac disease is unlikely but not completely ruled out, particularly in seronegative celiac disease cases
- Positive Result: Values exceeding the upper reference limit indicate presence of gliadin IgA antibodies; suggests immune response to gluten and supports celiac disease diagnosis
- Borderline/Equivocal Results: Results in the gray zone (typically 20-30 U/mL) may require repeat testing or additional serological testing with tTG-IgA or endomysial antibodies
- Normal ranges vary by laboratory; always consult the specific reference range provided with test results
- Interpretation
- Highly Positive Results (>100 U/mL): Strong evidence of active celiac disease; high likelihood of mucosal damage; recommend proceeding to endoscopic small bowel biopsy for confirmation
- Moderately Positive Results (20-100 U/mL): Consistent with celiac disease; should be confirmed with additional serological testing and consider endoscopy with biopsy
- Negative Results with Clinical Suspicion: Seronegative celiac disease may be present; recommend testing with total IgA level and tTG-IgA antibodies; consider endoscopic evaluation if clinical suspicion remains high
- Important Testing Considerations: Test should be performed while patient is consuming a gluten-containing diet; antibody levels decrease significantly within weeks of gluten elimination
- IgA Deficiency Impact: Patients with selective IgA deficiency (present in up to 2.5% of celiac patients) may have false-negative gliadin IgA results; total IgA testing recommended as part of screening panel
- Specificity and Sensitivity: Gliadin IgA has approximately 85-90% sensitivity and 95-98% specificity for celiac disease; tTG-IgA antibodies are now preferred for initial screening due to superior sensitivity and specificity
- Factors Affecting Results: Duration on gluten-free diet, IgA deficiency, non-adherence to gluten diet, and laboratory methodology variations
- Associated Organs
- Primary Organ System: Gastrointestinal tract, particularly the small intestine (duodenum and jejunum) where gluten-induced mucosal damage occurs
- Associated Autoimmune Conditions: Celiac disease (autoimmune enteropathy), dermatitis herpetiformis (gluten-sensitive skin disorder), ataxia, and other gluten-sensitive conditions
- Gastrointestinal Manifestations: Chronic diarrhea, steatorrhea (fatty stools), abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, villous atrophy, and malabsorption syndrome
- Associated Secondary Complications: Iron deficiency anemia, B12 and folate deficiency, osteoporosis, dental enamel defects, and nutritional insufficiencies
- Neurological Manifestations: Gluten ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, seizures, and other central nervous system complications
- Associated Endocrine Disorders: Type 1 diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease, and hypoparathyroidism
- Dermatological Manifestations: Dermatitis herpetiformis (intensely pruritic blistering rash), alopecia areata, and psoriasis
- Long-term Complications if Untreated: Increased risk of gastrointestinal malignancies (lymphomas, adenocarcinomas), increased mortality from various causes, and severely compromised quality of life
- Follow-up Tests
- Confirmatory Serological Testing: Tissue transglutaminase (tTG) IgA antibodies (gold standard for serology), endomysial antibodies (EMA) IgA, and total serum IgA level
- Diagnostic Confirmation: Upper endoscopy with small bowel biopsy (duodenum) to assess for villous atrophy and confirm histopathological findings; considered gold standard for celiac disease diagnosis
- If IgA Deficiency Detected: Gliadin IgG antibodies, tTG-IgG antibodies, and endomysial IgG antibodies as alternative testing
- Nutritional Assessment: Complete blood count, iron studies (ferritin, serum iron, TIBC), B12 and folate levels, vitamin D and calcium levels, tissue mineral density (DEXA scan)
- Associated Condition Screening: Thyroid function tests (TSH, anti-TPO antibodies), type 1 diabetes screening (fasting glucose, HbA1c), and tissue transglutaminase 6 (TG6) for neurological manifestations
- Family Screening: First-degree relatives should be screened with serology even if asymptomatic; celiac disease has strong genetic predisposition
- Monitoring on Gluten-Free Diet: Repeat serology at 1-2 years to assess dietary adherence; antibody levels should normalize with strict gluten-free diet
- HLA Typing: HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 testing may be performed; negative result can effectively rule out celiac disease due to high sensitivity
- Dermatitis Herpetiformis Evaluation: Skin biopsy with immunofluorescence microscopy to demonstrate IgA deposition along dermoepidermal junction
- Fasting Required?
- Fasting Requirement: No
- Fasting is not required for this test; food and beverage intake do not affect antibody measurement
- Critical Dietary Requirement: Patient MUST continue consuming gluten-containing foods and beverages for at least 2-4 weeks prior to testing; eliminating gluten significantly reduces antibody production and may produce false-negative results
- Patient Preparation: No special preparation needed; routine venipuncture for blood collection
- Medications: No medications need to be avoided prior to testing; medications do not interfere with antibody testing
- Timing Considerations: Test can be performed at any time of day; no optimal time window required
- Important Note - Test Validity: If patient has already begun a gluten-free diet, inform healthcare provider before testing; test may be invalid and repeat testing may be needed after dietary challenge (gluten reintroduction under medical supervision)
How our test process works!

