Coeliac Test (Endomysial Antibodies)

What is a coeliac IgA endomysial antibody test?

Coeliac disease involves an immunological reaction to dietary gluten (found in wheat, rye, and barley) in the small intestine. Most people who have coeliac disease are genetically predisposed. This is a common disorder affecting about 1 in 300 people in Europe. The gold standard for diagnosing Coeliac disease is by taking a biopsy from the small intestine. However, there is a less invasive method involving blood tests that measure the levels of antibodies that are known to be associated with Coeliac disease. The IgA endomysial antibody is commonly found in the bloodstream of most people with Coeliac disease and is a very specific marker for the disease.

Why should I consider a coeliac IgA endomysial antibody test?

Endomysial antibodies contribute to intestinal swelling and if undetected lead to damage to the small intestine lining. This damage can prevent nutrients from food being absorbed correctly. If you have experienced any of the following symptoms, you should consider a coeliac IgA endomysial antibody test:

• Stomach pain
• Diarrhoea or pale coloured stools
• Cramping and/or bloating
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Weight loss
• Fatigue

In order to get accurate results, it is important that you eat gluten in the weeks prior to this test since endomysial antibodies are only produced when people with coeliac disease have gluten in their diet.

How will I receive my test results?

Your results will be reported within two working days of your blood sample's arrival at our laboratory. Your results and patient details will remain 100% confidential. As soon as your results are available, a member of our Patient Services team will contact you personally. The progress of your results can be checked online at any time by logging into the secure patient area of our website.

What should I do with my results?

Should your results indicate a gluten intolerance, you should contact a GP or nutritionist to discuss your result in more detail as further investigations may be needed. Better2Know can arrange a private telephone or face-to-face consultations with a doctor either before your test or after you receive your results. You can also take your results to a doctor or healthcare provider of your choice. It is important to note that if you receive a negative result, it does not necessarily exclude the possibility of Coeliac disease. Some patients with a milder sensitivity to gluten may have a negative result or in a very small proportion of cases, the body is unable to produce any IgA antibodies and therefore cannot produce the endomysial antibody.

How can I book my test?

To book your coeliac IgA endomysial antibody test, call us on the number above. Better2Know's expert advisors from our Patient Services team will be available 24/7 to answer any additional questions or queries.