Celiac Disease Antibody Test
Celiac Disease Antibody Test can be requested without a referral, and this overview covers what to expect. The celiac disease antibody test checks your blood for antibodies that are often elevated in celiac disease, an autoimmune condition where eating gluten damages the small intestine. It is ordered when symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, weight loss, or anemia suggest possible celiac disease, or when a close relative has the condition.
- Sample type
- blood
- Category
- Autoimmune
- Turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Price
- $249
- Referral
- Not required
The celiac disease antibody test checks your blood for antibodies that are often elevated in celiac disease, an autoimmune condition where eating gluten damages the small intestine. It is ordered when symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, weight loss, or anemia suggest possible celiac disease, or when a close relative has the condition.
What it measures
- tTG-IgA — Tissue transglutaminase IgA antibodies; the main screening marker for celiac disease.
- Total IgA — Checks whether you make enough IgA; if low, tTG-IgA results may be unreliable.
- DGP-IgA — Deamidated gliadin peptide IgA; another antibody that can support the diagnosis.
- DGP-IgG — Deamidated gliadin peptide IgG; useful when IgA is low or in some children.
- EMA-IgA — Endomysial IgA antibodies; a more specific but less common test.
Who it is for
A primary care clinician, gastroenterologist, or pediatrician typically orders this test. It may also be ordered for people with a family history of celiac disease or related autoimmune conditions.
Preparation
No fasting is required. For accurate results, you should be eating gluten regularly before the test; do not start a gluten-free diet on your own first.
Results and what they mean
Results are reported as negative, positive, or with a number and reference range. A positive result does not by itself confirm celiac disease; a clinician interprets it along with your symptoms and may recommend further testing. This is general information, not medical advice.
How to order this test
- Choose the test and place a confidential order online.
- Select a certified collection site and pick a time that suits you.
- Have your specimen collected — most draws take only a few minutes.
- Review results in a secure portal, typically within 1–3 days.
Preparation, hours, and pricing vary by site; confirm details directly with the lab before your visit.
Availability by state
Direct-access online ordering for the celiac disease antibody test is available in most states. It is currently unavailable in 6 states:
Everywhere else you can order confidentially and collect your sample at a certified site. Browse by state →
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to eat gluten before this test?
Yes. If you avoid gluten, antibodies may drop and the test can miss celiac disease. Talk to your clinician before changing your diet.
Can I have a negative test and still have celiac disease?
Yes, especially if you have been gluten-free or have low total IgA. Your clinician may order additional tests.
Is this test painful?
It uses a standard blood draw from a vein, which feels like a brief pinch.
How long do results take?
Typical turnaround is 1 to 3 business days, though it may vary by lab.