Key takeaway -
This study highlights the need to standardise coeliac disease testing across the UK. If laboratories use consistent methods and reference ranges, diagnosis can become more accurate and fairer for patients everywhere. Clear testing = better patient centred care📈💊.
#pathology #tech

So why does this matter?
If testing methods vary between laboratories, diagnosis may be delayed or missed. A delayed diagnosis can lead to long term symptoms and complications🩸. The main treatment for coeliac disease is a strict gluten-free diet, so accurate diagnosis is essential.
#dietary #labs

There’s another hidden challenge in coeliac testing.
Some people have IgA deficiency, meaning they don’t produce enough IgA antibodies. Many coeliac blood tests rely on IgA, which can cause false-negative results and delay diagnosis. However, testing total IgA levels can help detect this problem.🧪

Importance of Reference ranges -
The study found the cut off for a positive coeliac blood test ranged from 3 - 30 IU/mL across UK labs meaning the same result could be interpreted differently between hospitals💉. For example, a patient with 100 IU/mL may be diagnosed in one hospital but not another.

The answer is no.
Testing methods varied widely across the UK. Laboratories used 12 different test kits to measure tTG antibodies, and turnaround times ranged from 24 hours to 3 weeks. This means that the same blood sample could be tested differently depending on the hospital. 🏨
#disease #testing

What this study looks at?
A recent UK study asked an important question: Do all hospitals test for coeliac disease in the same way? Researchers surveyed NHS laboratories across the UK to see how coeliac disease testing works. 🩺
Article link: bmjopengastro.bmj.com/content/bmjg...
#medsky #bloodtest

One of the most important tests for coeliac disease looks for something called tTG antibodies. 🧬
These are immune proteins produced when the body reacts to gluten. High levels of tTG antibodies in the blood can indicate coeliac disease and help doctors decide if further testing is needed. #Path

How do doctors diagnose coeliac disease?
Traditionally, coeliac disease was diagnosed using a biopsy, where doctors take a small sample from the intestine. Today, blood tests are often used first as they are faster and less invasive. These tests look for specific antibodies in the blood.
#Coeliac

So why does coeliac disease often go undiagnosed?
Coeliac disease is often overlooked because symptoms can look like many other conditions and therefore misdiagnosed. Common symptoms include fatigue, stomach pain, weight loss, anaemia, and because symptoms vary, diagnosis can sometimes take years.

Coeliac disease- what is it? It’s a condition where the body’s immune system overreacts to gluten (a protein in wheat, barley and rye). This reaction damages the small intestine and stops the body absorbing nutrients properly, but many people don’t realise they have it!
@bethmoss.bsky.social #med