What type of antibody test is used for diagnosing celiac disease?

The test used for diagnosing celiac disease focuses on the presence of specific antibodies that indicate an inappropriate immune response to gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. The anti-endomysial antibody (EMA) test is particularly significant because it has a high specificity for celiac disease.

When a patient has celiac disease, their immune system produces antibodies against the endomysium, which is a component of the intestinal tissue. The presence of anti-endomysial antibodies correlates strongly with the disease and is often used alongside other tests, such as anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies, to confirm the diagnosis.

Other antibody tests listed, such as anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase, antinuclear antibody, and anti-cardiolipin, are used in the context of different autoimmune conditions, but they do not specifically pertain to celiac disease diagnosis. The specificity and sensitivity of the anti-endomysial antibody test make it a valuable tool in the diagnostic process for celiac disease, confirming the presence of the disorder in conjunction with clinical signs and symptoms.