Description

Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune condition in which ingestion of gluten triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine, impairing nutrient absorption. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

This Gluten Panel (Celiac Disease Screening) is designed to detect the autoimmune response to gluten that characterizes celiac disease and to help distinguish it from non-celiac gluten sensitivity, a condition that causes symptoms but does not result in autoimmune intestinal damage.

In individuals with celiac disease, gluten exposure leads to the production of specific antibodies that attack intestinal tissue, causing inflammation and villous injury. Left untreated, this can result in anemia, osteoporosis, neurologic symptoms, infertility, and other long-term complications. In contrast, non-celiac gluten sensitivity produces gluten-related symptoms such as bloating, fatigue, brain fog, or abdominal discomfort without positive celiac antibodies or intestinal injury. Because non-celiac gluten sensitivity is a diagnosis of exclusion, this panel is used first to rule out celiac disease before that diagnosis is considered.

Common Symptoms Associated with Gluten-Related Disorders

Symptoms may vary and can include:

  • Diarrhea, bloating, or excessive gas
  • Fatigue, weakness, or brain fog
  • Unintentional weight loss or poor growth in children
  • Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting
  • Iron deficiency or other unexplained nutrient deficiencies

Many individuals with celiac disease may have minimal or no symptoms, making laboratory testing essential.

What the Gluten Panel Tests For

A comprehensive gluten panel typically includes:

  • Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) IgA – primary screening marker for celiac disease
  • Total IgA Antibody – ensures accurate interpretation of IgA-based testing
  • Deamidated Gliadin Peptide (DGP) IgA and/or IgG – helpful in IgA deficiency, children, or equivocal cases

These tests identify whether gluten is triggering an autoimmune antibody response, which is the key distinction between celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

Accuracy and Test Preparation

  • tTG-IgA has approximately 93% sensitivity and 96% specificity for celiac disease
  • Gluten must be consumed prior to testing to ensure accurate results
  • Fasting is not required

This panel provides a critical first step in determining whether gluten exposure is causing autoimmune disease versus a non-autoimmune sensitivity, guiding appropriate dietary and long-term management decisions.