Coeliac Self Test

Did you know that in the UK, Coeliac Disease affects approximately 1 in 100 individuals, as reported by Coeliac UK? Shockingly only 36% of those affected have received a formal diagnosis leaving an estimated nearly half a million individuals living with Coeliac Disease completely unaware

Complete your Coeliac Self Test at home to gain a fast indication of the presence of anti-deamidated gliadin (anti-DGP) antibodies and if you may be Coeliac. Discovering the presence of these IgA and IgG antibodies against deamidated gliadin peptides (anti-DGP) helps to determine if changing your diet or taking supplements would be an important part of your health regime.

▶ HOW IT WORKS:

This test uses a small blood sample enclosed in the convenient testing kit delivered directly to your doorstep. Inside the test kit, a comprehensive set of instructions will be included to help guide you through the testing process, in a swift 10 minutes.

▶ PURCHASE AND DELIVERY

Upon purchase, the easy-to-use CE-approved testing kit will be mailed with same-day postage using first-class Royal Mail and should reach you within 1-3 working days.

▶ COELIAC DISEASE SYMPTOMS:

• Diarrhoea
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Weight loss
• Tiredness
• Skin ailments

HOW DOES THE COELIAC SELF TEST WORK?

Gliadin is a protein component in gluten responsible for the immune reaction that causes intestinal inflammation in patients suffering from coeliac disease. Recent studies of the diagnosis of coeliac disease have shown that deamidated gliadin peptides in particular can trigger strong immune reactions. Antibodies directed against these peptides allow to diagnose coeliac disease very accurately. The COELIAC SELF TEST reveals the presence of IgA and IgG antibodies against deamidated gliadin peptides (anti-DGP). A positive result means that the concentration of these antibodies is approximately 20 U/ml (units/ml). 

WHEN CAN THE TEST BE USED?

The Coeliac Self Test can be performed when symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain and swelling, weight loss, fatigue and/or skin reactions are present. The test can be performed at any time of the day, on a full or empty stomach.

CAN THE RESULT BE INCORRECT?

The result is correct if the instructions are followed carefully. However, the result may not be correct if: the device comes into contact with other liquids before being used, if part of the diluent is accidentally spilt, if the amount of blood mixed with the diluent is not enough or the number of drops dispensed in the well is less than 3 or more than 4. The plastic pipette supplied allows users to be sure they have collected the right amount of blood. 

IF I AM ON A GLUTEN-FREE DIET, CAN I TAKE THE TEST?

No. Once on a gluten-free diet, the level of disease-associated antibodies decreases until they are no longer detectable and this may cause false negative results. 

HOW DO I INTERPRET THE TEST IF THE COLOUR AND INTENSITY OF THE TEST AND CONTROL BANDS ARE DIFFERENT?

The test should be considered positive regardless of how dark the red/pink colour is of the test and control lines. The lines should be even and full. NB: if the control line is visible, the appearance of a white line at the T (Test) mark, associated with the absence of any red/pink colouring, should always be interpreted as a negative result. 

IS THE RESULT RELIABLE IF READ AFTER 15 MINUTES?

No. The test must be read 10 minutes after the procedure is completed (point 9) and no later than 15 minutes from this time.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF THE RESULT IS POSITIVE?

A positive result means that the levels of class IgA and class IgG anti-DGP antibodies is approximately 20 U/ml. In this case you should consult your GP, who will decide how to proceed.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF THE RESULT IS NEGATIVE?

A negative result means that the levels of class IgA and class IgG anti-DGP antibodies are below the test’s detection limit. If symptoms persist, seek medical advice.

HOW ACCURATE IS THE COELIAC SELF TEST?

The test is very accurate. Assessment reports show a concordance rate above 90% (CI 95%: 82- 98%) with reference methods.

Gliadin and Coeliac Disease

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the small intestine. Disease symptoms include diarrhoea, weight loss, abdominal pain and bloating, malnutrition and skin reactions. This inflammation is caused by gliadin, the protein component of gluten, contained in wheat, barley, rye, spelt and many other cereals. Recent studies have shown that subjects affected by coeliac disease produce specific antibodies (class IgA and IgG) against deamidated gliadin peptides (anti-DGP). These antibodies have high specificity and sensitivity in coeliac disease, which permits very accurate diagnosis. Early diagnosis can reduce the progression of intestinal damage and prevent more serious complications.

The Coeliac Self Test is a rapid immunochromatographic test to reveal the presence of class IgA and IgG anti-DGP antibodies in whole blood for coeliac disease screening.

References

• P.D. Mooney, S.H.Wong, A.J.Johnston, M.Kurien, A.Avgerinos and D.S.Sanders “Increased detection of celiac disease with measurement of Deamidated Gliadin Peptide Andtibody befor endoscopy” Cli,.Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2015;13:1278-1284
• N. R. Lewis & B. B. Scott “Meta-analysis: deamidated gliadin peptide antibody and tissue transglutaminase antibody compared as screening tests for coeliac disease” Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
• A. Lammi, P. Arikoski, S. Simell, T. Kinnunen, V. Simell, S Paavanen-Huhtala, A. Hinkkanen, R. Veijola, M. Knip, J. Toppari, O. Vaarala, O. Simell, and J. Ilonen “Antibodies to Deamidated Gliadin Peptide in Diagnosis of Celiac Disease in Children” Gastroenterology - JPGN 2015;60: 626–631