What are other Names for this Test? (Equivalent Terms)

• DGP Blood Test
• Gliadin Deamidated Antibodies Blood Test
• Gliadin IgG and IgA Blood Test

What is Gliadin Antibodies Blood Test? (Background Information)

• Gluten is present in grains including wheat. It gives elasticity and ‘rising-ability’ to dough made from these grains. Gliadin is one of the two main types of protein found in gluten, the other being glutenin. Unlike glutenin, gliadin dissolves in water
• Gliadin is present naturally in a form called amidated gliadin. However, in this form gliadin is difficult to mix with substances, such as milk, which is often desired by the food processing industry
• To resolve this problem, natural gliadin is processed using an enzyme to convert it to a ‘deamidated’ form. However, deamidated gliadin is even more likely than natural gliadin to cause health issues in individuals with gluten intolerance
• The immune system produces antibodies (defense proteins) specific to deamidated gliadin, as it does with virtually every foreign substance that interacts with the body. There are several types of antibodies. The clinically most important antibodies are called IgG and IgA
• In normal cases, anti-gliadin antibodies are present in low levels. However, in individuals with celiac disease, levels of these antibodies rise, as the body initiates an immune response
• The Gliadin Antibodies Blood Test helps determine the levels of antibodies specific to deamidated gliadin. It is used to diagnose celiac disease and monitor therapy

What are the Clinical Indications for performing the Gliadin Antibodies Blood Test?

Following are the clinical indications for performing the Gliadin Antibodies Blood Test:

• Abdominal pain
• Rapid weight loss
• Cramps
• Skin conditions, including rash, discoloration, itching, and acne
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Constipation 

How is the Specimen Collected for Gliadin Antibodies Blood Test?

Following is the specimen collection process for Gliadin Antibodies Blood Test:

Sample required: Blood

Process of obtaining blood sample in adults:

• A band is wrapped around the arm, 3-4 inches above the collection site (superficial vein that lies within the elbow pit)
• The site is cleaned with 70% alcohol in an outward spiral, away from the zone of needle insertion
• The needle cap is removed and is held in line with the vein, pulling the skin tight
• With a small and quick thrust, the vein is penetrated using the needle
• The required amount of blood sample is collected by pulling the plunger of the syringe out slowly
• The wrap band is removed, gauze is placed on the collection site, and the needle is removed
• The blood is immediately transferred into the blood container, which has the appropriate preservative/clot activator/anti-coagulant
• The syringe and the needle are disposed into the appropriate “sharp container” for safe and hygienic disposal

Preparation required: No special preparation is needed prior to the test.

What is the Significance of the Gliadin Antibodies Blood Test Result?

A high (greater than 20 units) value for the Gliadin Antibodies Blood Test may indicate:

• Celiac disease
• Dermatitis herpetiformis

The laboratory test results are NOT to be interpreted as results of a "stand-alone" test. The test results have to be interpreted after correlating with suitable clinical findings and additional supplemental tests/information. Your healthcare providers will explain the meaning of your tests results, based on the overall clinical scenario.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information:

• Individuals with a high level of gliadin antibodies may be advised to follow a gluten-free diet
• Currently, the most effective and affordable treatment for celiac disease is following a gluten-free diet

Certain medications that you may be currently taking may influence the outcome of the test. Hence, it is important to inform your healthcare provider of the complete list of medications (including any herbal supplements) you are currently taking. This will help the healthcare provider interpret your test results more accurately and avoid unnecessary chances of a misdiagnosis.

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/celiac-disease/

Please visit our Laboratory Procedures Center for more physician-approved health information:

http://www.dovemed.com/common-procedures/procedures-laboratory/