GLIADIN ANTIBODIES - serum

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Specimen: 5 mL blood in plain tube.

Method: Immunoassay for IgG and IgA antibodies to gliadin.

Application: Diagnosis of coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis; follow up of dietary restriction and challenge; screening relatives of patients with coeliac disease. Endomysial antibodies are more specific for the diagnosis of coeliac disease.

Interpretation: A positive result for either IgG or IgA antibodies to gliadin is found in up to 10% of the normal population; the diagnosis of coeliac disease should not be made on the basis of these antibodies alone. A positive result for both IgG and IgA gliadin antibodies identifies those patients who merit small bowel biopsy for the definitive diagnosis of coeliac disease. See also ENDOMYSIAL ANTIBODIES

Reference: Catassi C. Lancet 1994; 343: 200-203.

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