What is the Coeliac / Gluten Sensitivity Profile?

The Coeliac / Gluten Sensitivity Profile is a comprehensive blood test panel designed to assess immune responses to gluten and related intestinal targets. It includes the following markers:

• Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) IgA
• Endomysial Antibodies (EMA) IgA
• Reticulin Antibodies IgA
• Gliadin Antibodies IgA and IgG
• Total IgA

These markers help evaluate whether the immune system is reacting abnormally to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. The profile is used to support the diagnosis of coeliac disease and to investigate gluten-related immune sensitivity.

Total IgA is included to ensure that IgA-based tests are reliable, as IgA deficiency can lead to false-negative results.

Why do I need a Coeliac / Gluten Sensitivity Profile?

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition in which gluten ingestion triggers immune-mediated damage to the small intestine. Symptoms can vary widely and may be subtle or atypical, making diagnosis challenging.

This profile is recommended when gluten-related symptoms are suspected or when unexplained nutritional deficiencies or gastrointestinal issues are present.

You may need this test if you experience:

• Chronic diarrhoea or constipation
• Bloating or abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue or low energy
• Iron-deficiency anaemia
• Vitamin or mineral deficiencies
• Skin rashes (e.g. dermatitis herpetiformis)
• Joint pain or headaches
• Family history of coeliac disease
• Autoimmune conditions such as type 1 diabetes

Important: For accurate results, you should be consuming gluten regularly before testing.

Benefits of the Coeliac / Gluten Sensitivity Profile

·      Comprehensive coeliac screening
Includes the most clinically relevant antibodies.

·      Detects autoimmune gluten reactions
Identifies immune-mediated intestinal responses.

·      Includes Total IgA for accuracy
Prevents false-negative interpretation.

·      Supports early diagnosis
Helps identify disease before complications develop.

·      Guides further investigation
Indicates whether biopsy or referral is required.

·      Clinically recognised testing approach
Used in NHS and private practice.

·      Supports symptom investigation
Useful in unexplained GI and systemic symptoms.

·      Simple blood test
No invasive procedures required initially.

Step by step – how the test works

You can access Coeliac / Gluten Sensitivity testing UK-wide through two options:

1.    Clinic appointment
Choose your nearest UK clinic, where a healthcare professional will take your blood sample.

2.    At-home or hotel visit (£60 extra)
A qualified phlebotomist comes to your home or hotel, so you don’t need to travel.

Your sample is analysed in an accredited UK laboratory, and results are delivered securely.

Your results explained

Negative antibodies with normal Total IgA

Suggest no evidence of coeliac disease or gluten-related immune response at the time of testing.

Typical UK interpretation:

• All antibodies negative
• Total IgA within reference range

Positive tTG IgA and/or EMA IgA

Strongly suggestive of coeliac disease. Further specialist assessment is usually recommended.

Typical UK interpretation:

• tTG IgA: Positive
• EMA IgA: Positive

Positive Gliadin IgA and/or IgG with negative tTG/EMA

May indicate gluten sensitivity or early immune response, but is not diagnostic of coeliac disease.

Typical UK interpretation:

• Gliadin IgA/IgG: Positive
• Other markers: Negative or borderline

Results must always be interpreted alongside symptoms and clinical context.