Specimen need not be refrigerated or frozen. Collect 2-3 ml of blood in a red top or serum separator tube. If possible, separate serum from clot and place into white tube provided with Immco Diagnostics’ collection kits. If separation facilities are not available, the blood can be sent in the tube used for collection.

Sample is stable at ambient temperature during shipment. If sample is stored prior to shipment, it is stable refrigerated (2-8°C) up to five days and frozen (-20°C or lower) up to one year.

Serological methods of diagnosis are commonly used to screen and support diagnosis of celiac disease (CD) and dermatitis herpetiformis (DH). The revised European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition (ESPGAN) criteria for diagnosis of CD include only a single biopsy with clear cut remission of clinical symptoms on a gluten-free diet. Positive serology at the time of diagnosis and disappearance with gluten-free diet contributes to the diagnosis. Gliadin antibodies (AGA) in combination with other serological assays are commonly used in the diagnosis of CD. Both IgA and IgG gliadin antibodies are detected in the sera of patients with CD. IgG gliadin antibody tests are important towards the diagnosis of CD in patients who are IgA deficient. Studies show that 1-2% of the general population is IgA deficient and that the incidence of CD in IgA deficient subjects is significant hence the need for specific tests.