Celiac Disease Antibodies Test

Test Overview

Celiac disease is a problem that happens when gluten in food causes your immune system to attack the lining of your small intestine.

As part of this mistaken attack, your immune system creates certain proteins called antibodies. If your doctor thinks you may have celiac disease, they will order a simple blood test that looks for these antibodies.

How It Is Done

A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.

Watch

How It Feels

When a blood sample is taken, you may feel nothing at all from the needle. Or you might feel a quick sting or pinch.

Risks

There is very little chance of having a problem from this test. When a blood sample is taken, a small bruise may form at the site.

Results

There are several types of celiac disease antibodies that can be measured. The most common are:

• Tissue transglutaminase antibodies, or anti-tTG.
• Deamidated gliadin peptide antibodies, or anti-DGP.
• Anti-endomysial antibodies, or anti-EMA.

Results for celiac disease antibody testing

Negative (normal)	Celiac disease antibodies are not found in your blood. It's not likely that you have the disease.
Positive (abnormal)	Celiac disease antibodies are found. It's likely that you have the disease.