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Anti-Deamidated Gliadin Peptide IgA (DGP IgA Test) and its Function

The Anti-Deamidated Gliadin Peptide IgA (DGP IgA) test is a blood test that is used to aid in the diagnosis of celiac disease. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When individuals with celiac disease consume gluten, their immune system reacts by producing antibodies, including IgA antibodies against deamidated gliadin peptides.

Conditions that may require Anti-Deamidated Gliadin Peptide IgA (DGP IgA Test)

The Anti-Deamidated Gliadin Peptide IgA (DGP IgA) test is primarily used as a diagnostic tool for celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion. The test is not routinely ordered for other conditions, as it has a specific role in diagnosing celiac disease. However, there are certain situations where the DGP IgA test may be used. These include:

Suspected Celiac Disease: The DGP IgA test is commonly ordered when there is a suspicion of celiac disease based on the individual's symptoms, family history, or other clinical indicators. It can be useful in individuals who may have negative or equivocal results on other celiac disease-related tests, such as tissue transglutaminase (tTG) IgA antibodies or endomysial antibodies (EMA).
Monitoring Celiac Disease: The DGP IgA test may be used to monitor individuals with diagnosed celiac disease. It can help assess the effectiveness of a gluten-free diet or identify potential gluten exposure or non-compliance with the dietary restrictions. Serial testing over time can provide valuable information about disease management and response to treatment.
Seronegative Celiac Disease: In rare cases, individuals with celiac disease may not have detectable levels of tTG IgA antibodies or EMA, which are the more commonly used celiac disease-specific antibodies. In such instances, the DGP IgA test may be ordered to aid in the diagnosis of seronegative celiac disease.

Anti-Deamidated Gliadin Peptide IgA (DGP IgA Test) Procedure

The Anti-Deamidated Gliadin Peptide IgA (DGP IgA Test) is performed by drawing a blood sample from a vein in your arm. Our phlebotomist, will clean the site with an antiseptic and apply a tourniquet to make the veins more visible. He will then insert a sterile needle into a vein and collect the required amount of blood into a collection tube.

Interpreting Anti-Deamidated Gliadin Peptide IgA (DGP IgA Test) Results

Positive Result: A positive result indicates the presence of elevated levels of IgA antibodies against deamidated gliadin peptides. This suggests a higher likelihood of celiac disease. However, a positive result on its own is not sufficient to confirm a diagnosis. Additional diagnostic tests, such as tTG IgA antibodies and endomysial antibodies (EMA), as well as clinical evaluation, are typically necessary to establish a definitive diagnosis.
Negative Result: A negative result indicates the absence of detectable levels of IgA antibodies against deamidated gliadin peptides. However, it's important to note that a negative result does not definitively rule out celiac disease. Celiac disease is a complex condition, and individuals may still have the disease despite negative antibody test results. In such cases, additional testing and evaluation may be necessary.
Indeterminate Result: In some instances, the DGP IgA test result may fall into an indeterminate or equivocal range, where it is not definitively positive or negative. Indeterminate results may occur due to various factors, including the presence of borderline antibody levels. Further testing and consultation with a healthcare professional experienced in celiac disease diagnosis may be required to clarify the interpretation.

Treatment for High Anti-Deamidated Gliadin Peptide IgA (DGP IgA Test) levels

High levels of Anti-Deamidated Gliadin Peptide IgA (DGP IgA) antibodies alone do not indicate a specific treatment requirement. The DGP IgA test is primarily used as a diagnostic tool for celiac disease, an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten ingestion. If an individual has high DGP IgA levels and meets the diagnostic criteria for celiac disease, the standard treatment is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. The primary goal of treatment is to eliminate gluten from the diet to prevent damage to the small intestine and alleviate symptoms.