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Useful for:
- Evaluating patients suspected of having Coeliac Disease
- Screening test for Dermatitis Herpetiformis
- Monitoring adherance to a gluten-free diet in patients diagnosed with Coeliac Disease and Dermatitis Herpetiformis
Clinical Information:
- Coeliac disease is a result of inflammation, primarily in the mucosa of the small intesitine, caused by the ingestion of wheat, rye or barley proteins in susceptible individuals.
- Genetic susceptability is associated with the HLA markers HLA DQ2 and/or HLA DQ8.
- Common clinical symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation and malabsorption which can lead to symptoms of malnutrition such as iorn deficiency, osteoporosis and failure to thrive.
- Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) IgA is useful in identifying possible coeliac patients. However, for a definitive diagnosis a jejunal biopsy is required.
- Treatment of Coeliac Disease requires the maintenance of a gluten-free diet.
Please Note:
- Only samples that are positive for Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) IgA will have an Endomysial Antibody (IgA) test performed. This is requested by the laboratory.
- Patients suspected of having an IgA deficiency will have an Endomysial Antibody (IgG) test performed. This is requested by the laboratory.
- The stated turnaround time is for 'normal' samples. If further testing (Endomysial Antibodies) is required the turnaround time will increase.
- Where External Institiutions cannot guarantee immediate delivery, samples must be centrifuged, separated and stored at 4oC. Samples can then be transported, as soon as possible, to St. James's Hospital for processing.
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