Who should undergo antibody blood tests for celiac disease?

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Who should undergo antibody blood tests for celiac disease?

Related Topics: Celiac Disease, Blood Test

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Some experts recommend that antibody blood tests should be used to screen healthy persons with no signs or symptoms for celiac disease. In Italy, where celiac disease is common, all children are screened for celiac disease. Experts in the United States do not recommend screening healthy persons for celiac disease. Antibody blood tests are only recommended for individuals with a higher likelihood than normal of having celiac disease. These individuals are:

Individuals with chronic diarrhea (diarrhea that does not resolve in three weeks), increased amount of fat in the stool (steatorrhea), and weight loss
Individuals with excess gas, bloating, and abdominal distension
First and second degree relatives of individuals who have celiac disease
Children with growth retardation
Individuals with unexplained iron deficiency anemia
Individuals with skin rashes suggestive of dermatitis herpetiformis
Individuals with recurrent painful mouth sores (aphthous stomatitis)
Individuals with diseases known to be associated with celiac disease. Examples of these diseases include insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, autoimmune thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, ulcerative colitis, etc.

This answer should not be considered medical advice...This answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.

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