Ordering Guidance

This cascade should not be used in patients who have previously been or are currently being treated with a gluten-free diet. For these individuals, CDGF / Celiac Disease Gluten-Free Cascade, Serum and Whole Blood should be ordered.

 

This cascade should not be used in patients for whom human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DQ2/DQ8 typing has already been performed. For individuals who are positive for either DQ2 and/or DQ8, CDSP / Celiac Disease Serology Cascade, Serum should be ordered to assess for the presence of autoantibodies associated with celiac disease. For individuals who are negative for DQ2 and DQ8, no further testing is necessary as a diagnosis of celiac disease is unlikely.

 

Cascade testing is recommended for celiac disease. Cascade testing ensures that testing proceeds in an algorithmic fashion. The following cascades are available; select the appropriate one for your specific patient situation.

-CDCOM / Celiac Disease Comprehensive Cascade, Serum and Whole Blood: Complete testing including HLA DQ

-CDSP / Celiac Disease Serology Cascade, Serum: Complete serology testing excluding HLA DQ

-CDGF / Celiac Disease Gluten-Free Cascade, Serum and Whole Blood: For patients already adhering to a gluten-free diet

To order individual tests, see Celiac Disease Diagnostic Testing Algorithm

Specimen Required

Both blood and serum are required.

Specimen Type: Blood

Container/Tube: Yellow top (ACD solution A or B)

Specimen Volume: 6 mL

Collection Instructions: Send whole blood in original tube. Do not aliquot.

Specimen Type: Serum

Collection Container/Tube:

Preferred: Serum gel

Acceptable: Red top

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 2 mL

Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.