Originally published: 23.MAR.2021
Last updated: 15.AUG.2024

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Conway

It’s estimated that around 1 in 100 people worldwide are living with celiac disease.¹ This autoimmune disorder causes an immune reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Many cases of celiac disease remain undiagnosed which is why if diarrhea or bloating are commonplace after you have ingested gluten, it’s important to check in on your body and see what may be causing these symptoms.

If you are at risk of celiac disease or are experiencing unfavorable symptoms after eating products containing gluten, testing for celiac disease is recommended. A simple blood test can test for antibodies associated with celiac disease, this can be done with your doctor or you can collect your sample from home with LetsGetChecked’s home celiac testing option.

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Check for Celiac Disease

Identify celiac disease antibodies with our celiac testing option.

How do they test for celiac disease?

Testing for celiac disease requires a blood test. This test checks for antibodies that the body creates in response to eating products containing gluten, these include tissue transglutaminase (tTG) and endomysial antibodies (EMA). You must take this test after six weeks of a gluten-containing diet to ensure accurate results.

If you have positive test results, you will be referred to a specialist in gastroenterology.

Can you test for Celiac disease at home?

You can take your test sample at home using LetsGetChecked’s Celiac Test. This antibody test can identify celiac disease by checking for antibodies in the blood. It tests for:

  • Tissue transglutaminase (tTG): Tissue transglutaminase is an enzyme that repairs damage in the body. People with celiac disease often have antibodies, made by their immune system, that attack this enzyme.
  • Endomysial antibodies (EMA): Endomysial antibodies are made by your body in response to gluten. These auto-antibodies cause intestinal swelling and prevent nutrient absorption into the blood. High levels of endomysial antibodies indicate that you have Celiac disease.

The sample must be collected following six weeks of a gluten-containing diet to ensure accurate results.

The test will arrive in discreet packaging with a return envelope and clear instructions inside. It will involve a simple finger prick sample and online results will be available to you within ~2-5 days of the lab receiving your kit. Should you have any questions, our dedicated clinical team will be available to help in any way throughout the process. If you need further information about the process, you can find out more here.

What is the number one symptom of celiac disease?

There are nearly 300 symptoms of celiac disease! For those with celiac disease, the most common include cramping, bloating, and abdominal pain after eating foods containing gluten. Other indicators include:

  • Discomfort after eating products that contain gluten
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Bloating and gas
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Constipation

It's also worth noting that irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) shares many overlapping symptoms with celiac disease, which can complicate the diagnosis.

If celiac disease goes untreated, it can cause many complications such as malnutrition and lactose intolerance. This is why if you’re experiencing symptoms or if a close family member has the condition, it’s important to get tested to avoid any serious complications. For most, once diagnosed, following a gluten-free diet can help manage symptoms.

If you would prefer to take your test sample from home, you can do so with LetsGetChecked’s Celiac Test. This celiac blood test looks for antibodies associated with celiac disease.

Here's how it works:

  1. The test is shipped directly to you
  2. Activate your test and answer health-related questions
  3. A medical team member will review your health record and should you need any support services, they will be provided
  4. Collect your sample at a time that suits you
  5. Send your sample back to our laboratory using the pre-paid shipping label provided
  6. Your sample will be processed in an anonymous and timely manner
  7. Your results will be reviewed by our team of doctors
  8. A member of our nursing team will contact you to deliver your results and discuss any next steps

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation², the following individuals should consider getting screened for celiac disease:

  • Children older than 3 and adults experiencing symptoms
  • First-degree relatives of people with celiac disease
  • Any individual with an associated autoimmune disorder or other condition, including type 1 diabetes mellitus, autoimmune thyroid disease, and autoimmune liver disease
Add descriptive tag

Check for Celiac Disease

Identify celiac disease antibodies with our celiac testing option.

References

  1. Celiac Disease Foundation. What is Celiac Disease? Online: Celiac.org
  2. Celiac Disease Foundation. Screening and Diagnosis. Online: Celiac.org

Please note that the following is for educational use only and is not a substitute for medical advice. This content cannot diagnose or provide information about treatment. Consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or need specific medical advice relating to any symptoms, conditions, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not delay seeking medical advice and do not disregard professional medical advice based on this content. Your healthcare provider can provide the most suitable guidance based on your situation.