Celiac disease is a disorder that affects the digestive system, particularly the small intestine. It occurs when the small intestine fails to properly absorb the nutrients from foods. Those with this kind of disease manifest gluten intolerance, a condition that arises when people cannot tolerate this specific protein contained in barley, rye, and wheat. Some products such as lip balms, medicines, and vitamins may also contain gluten.
Symptoms of celiac disease are also associated with other diseases, which can lead to misdiagnosis, confusing celiac disease with other disorders, including chronic fatigue syndrome, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal infections, irritable bowel syndrome, and iron-deficiency anemia caused by menstrual blood loss. To distinguish celiac disease from other diseases, accurate and reliable blood tests must be carried out.
Individuals who have celiac disease usually show higher than normal levels of specific autoantibodies in their blood. Autoantibodies are antibodies or immune proteins that attack the body’s own cells or tissues. Medical doctors specifically look for the presence of high levels of anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (tTGA) or anti-endomysium antibodies (EMA). If the test shows negative results but the doctor still suspects celiac disease, performing additional blood tests may be required.
Prior to the blood tests, individuals exhibiting the symptoms of celiac disease are advised to continue eating foods with gluten like bread and pasta. Having a gluten-free diet before the test will show negative results for celiac disease; thereby, leading to misdiagnosis.
Biocard Celiac Testing aids in diagnosing celiac disease, although results can only be confirmed by a medical doctor. Detecting the antibodies against transglutaminase can be performed at home through the bio card celiac test kit. The procedures involve obtaining a blood sample from the fingertip with a sterile atuomatic lancet and placing the sample on the biocard for testing. To determine the presence or absence of the target antibodies, a red line in the test window (T) should be noted. Within 10 minutes, the results can be read. If the target antibodies are present in the blood, two red lines appear on the test card indicating that the individual is positive for celiac disease. In contrast, only one red line appears, particularly in the control field (C), if the person does not have celiac disease. It is good to note that a red line must appear on the control field to ensure that the test has been carried out properly. If no line appears on both fields, the test should be repeated using a new test unit.
Should the result of biocard celiac testing turns out to be positive, visiting a medical doctor is highly recommended. The same thing goes to those who have negative results but still show symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders so that other tests can be performed accordingly.
In most cases, those who exhibit celiac disease undergo a biopsy of the small intestine to accurately confirm the diagnosis. During the procedure, the doctor takes out tissue samples from the small intestine to observe any damages to the villi.
Maintaining a gluten-free diet helps celiac patients recover from the disease. Along with gluten-free diets, prebiotics and probiotics found in a wide variety of foods have played vital roles in enhancing the health condition of celiac patients.
