Coeliac / Gluten Allergy Test

A blood panel screening for coeliac disease (gluten intolerance) measuring total IgA, tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG), and endomysium IgA antibodies. These three markers together provide a reliable first-line screening for coeliac disease.

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by dietary gluten — a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye — that causes inflammation and damage to the lining of the small intestine. It affects an estimated 1 in 100 people in the Netherlands, though the majority remain undiagnosed because symptoms can be subtle, varied, or mistaken for irritable bowel syndrome. This panel measures three complementary markers that form the recommended first-line serological screening for coeliac disease. Tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG-IgA) is the most sensitive single marker and is elevated in the vast majority of active coeliac disease cases. Endomysium IgA (EMA) is highly specific and serves as a confirmatory marker. Total IgA is measured because approximately 2-3% of the population has selective IgA deficiency, which can produce false-negative results on the IgA-based coeliac markers — identifying IgA deficiency ensures the result is correctly interpreted. Importantly, the individual must be consuming a gluten-containing diet at the time of testing for the antibodies to be detectable. Individuals who have already adopted a gluten-free diet may produce false-negative results. A positive screening result warrants referral for confirmatory duodenal biopsy through a gastroenterologist. This panel is suitable for individuals experiencing chronic digestive symptoms, unexplained iron deficiency, fatigue, or weight loss, and for those with a family history of coeliac disease.