anti-gliadin antibody
Last reviewed 01/2018
Anti-gliadin antibody is a screening test for coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis.
Anti-gliadin antibody, IgA, test:
- sensitivity: 75-95%
- specificity: 80-95%
- note that IgG is less specific and sensitive, but may be present if the patient is IgA deficient - a known association with coeliac disease
Sensitivity of anti-gliadin is reduced in children under 4 years for coeliac/dermatitis herpetiformis.
The presently available serological tests cannot substitute for a diagnostic biopsy (1,2).
Reference:
- Scand. J. Gastro. 1994; 29(5): 452
- Rostom A et al. The diagnostic accuracy of serologic tests for celiac disease: a systematic review. Gastroenterology 2005;128:S38-46