Celiac disease is a digestive disorder that impacts millions of people worldwide. It is caused by an immune reaction to gluten, a protein found in rye, barley, and wheat This autoimmune disorder can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.
Fortunately, celiac disease is treatable through a gluten-free diet. But first, it is crucial to get an accurate diagnosis. Blood tests and biopsy are the two most commonly used methods for confirming celiac disease symptoms. So, let’s learn about the role of blood tests and biopsy in diagnosing celiac disease.
Blood Tests
Blood tests are an important part of the diagnostic process for celiac disease. Blood tests can measure the levels of certain antibodies in your blood that are indicative of celiac disease. The immune system produces these antibodies in response to gluten exposure.
Blood tests for celiac disease include:
- Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody (tTG-IgA) Test: This test measures the level of tTG antibodies in your blood. If you have celiac disease, the levels of tTG antibodies will be high.
- Endomysial Antibody (EMA) Test: This test is used to determine the level of EMA antibodies in your blood. EMA antibodies are considered to be more specific for celiac disease than tTG antibodies.
- Total Serum IgA Test: This blood test helps you know the level of total IgA in your blood. If you have celiac disease and are deficient in IgA, you may need to have the tTG or EMA test repeated using a blood sample.
It should be noted that despite being a primary part of celiac disease treatment, blood tests are not always accurate. Some people with celiac disease may have negative blood despite having symptoms of the condition. This is why it is crucial to have a biopsy if blood test results are inconclusive.
Biopsy
A biopsy is the most reliable way to diagnose celiac disease. A small tissue sample is taken from the small intestine during a biopsy and examined under a microscope. The biopsy can show if there is damage to the small intestine, which is a hallmark of celiac disease.
Notably, the biopsy procedure is usually performed with a small camera that is passed through the mouth and into the small intestine. The camera is used to guide a small instrument that removes a small piece of tissue. The tissue is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
In addition to that, the biopsy is usually done after a blood test indicates that you may have celiac disease symptoms. However, a biopsy may be done in some cases, even if blood test results are negative. This is because some people with celiac disease may have negative blood test results but still have celiac disease symptoms.
Moreover, it is integral to note that a biopsy should only be done after a thorough evaluation by a doctor. In some cases, a biopsy may not be necessary if other celiac disease tests, like blood tests, results are strong enough.
Conclusion
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. Blood tests and biopsy are the two most commonly used methods for confirming celiac disease symptoms.
Furthermore, blood tests can measure the levels of certain antibodies in your blood that are indicative of celiac disease. A biopsy is the most reliable way to diagnose the celiac disease as it can show if there is damage to the small intestine, which is a hallmark of Bos918 celiac disease.
If you have celiac disease symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for a proper evaluation. Your doctor will be able to determine if you need to have a blood test.
