Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten that affects the small intestine. It can cause a range of symptoms from digestive issues to fatigue, and many people with celiac disease remain undiagnosed for years. Antibody testing is a commonly used first step in screening.

This test may be relevant for women who:

• Experience digestive symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort after eating gluten
• Have unexplained fatigue, iron deficiency, or other nutrient deficiencies
• Have a family history of celiac disease
• Want to screen for celiac-related antibodies before considering dietary changes

This panel measures two antibody markers:

• Anti-TTG (Anti-Tissue Transglutaminase): an antibody commonly elevated in celiac disease; often used as the primary screening marker
• Endomysium IgA: an antibody that is associated with celiac disease; provides additional confirmation alongside Anti-TTG

Elevated levels of Anti-TTG and/or Endomysium IgA may suggest celiac disease is present and that further evaluation (typically including a biopsy) may be appropriate. Negative results generally make celiac disease less likely, though false negatives can occur in people who have already reduced or eliminated gluten from their diet. It is worth noting that this screening does not diagnose celiac disease on its own.

The test requires a blood draw at a certified sample point (afnamepunt). There are over 750 locations across the Netherlands. After placing your order, you can select a convenient location and schedule your visit.

This test may be considered when:

• You experience digestive symptoms that may be related to gluten
• You have unexplained nutrient deficiencies or fatigue
• You have a family history of celiac disease
• You want to screen for celiac antibodies before discussing further evaluation with your healthcare provider

Each marker is shown with your value and the reference range. Elevated Anti-TTG and/or positive Endomysium IgA may suggest celiac disease and typically prompt referral for confirmatory testing. Negative results generally make celiac disease less likely but do not fully rule it out, particularly if gluten intake has been reduced. Results should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

It is important to continue eating gluten-containing foods for at least 6 weeks before this test. If you have already eliminated gluten from your diet, the antibody levels may be falsely low, making the test less informative. No fasting is required.

Your results are typically available within a few working days. Each marker is shown with your value, the reference range, and an explanation. If antibodies are elevated, your healthcare provider may recommend further evaluation, which typically includes a referral for a small intestinal biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.