Description
Celiac Disease Comprehensive Panel with Gliadin Antibodies(Age 5 and Under) – This panel is used to assist in the diagnosis of celiac disease (CD) in children ?5 years old.
Background: CD is caused by an immune response to gluten in genetically sensitive individuals. Diagnosis begins with serologic testing and is confirmed by biopsy. This panel tests all specimens for tissue transglutaminase (tTG) IgA and gliadin (deamidated) IgA and IgG. Although tTG IgA is generally preferred as a single serological test for CD, it may have reduced sensitivity in young children; including DGP IgA and IgG alongside tTG IgA may increase sensitivity for CD. Specimens positive for tTG IgA are tested for endomysial antibody (IgA), which may increase specificity for CD. This panel also evaluates all specimens for total IgA. A total IgA level below the reference range is suggestive of IgA deficiency and reflexes to tTG IgG, which is generally less sensitive than tTG IgA for CD but is useful in the context of IgA deficiency.