Description
Why It’s Done:
This test is commonly ordered to:
• Diagnose celiac disease in patients with symptoms such as diarrhea, weight loss, bloating, and anemia
• Screen at-risk individuals, including those with a family history of celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, or autoimmune thyroid disease
• Monitor the effectiveness of a gluten-free diet in patients diagnosed with celiac disease
• Differentiate celiac disease from other gastrointestinal disorders
Preparation:
• No special preparation is usually required.
• Blood is drawn from a vein, typically in the arm.
• It’s important to continue consuming a gluten-containing diet prior to testing, as eliminating gluten can cause false-negative results.
• Inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you are taking


