36 - Instant insights: Identifying and diagnosing celiac disease (8 min)

More than 80% of patients with celiac disease remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. In this episode, Maeson Latsko, PhD, explores the reasons for the diagnostic odyssey in celiac disease, from the disease’s wide range of symptoms to common pitfalls in testing. Celiac disease triggers a specific autoimmune response where the body attacks its own small intestines after gluten exposure, leading to malabsorption and comorbid conditions. Providers can screen for celiac disease using a serologic panel that detects key autoantibodies like tTG-IgA and accounts for IgA deficiency. This episode will Describe the autoimmune mechanism in celiac disease, including the role of tissue transglutaminase (tTG) and the HLA-DQ2/DQ8 genetic predisposition (2:00) Identify the key serologic markers used for diagnosis, including tTG-IgA, endomysial antibody (EMA), and the purpose of IgG-based backup tests for patients with IgA deficiency (2:40) Outline the clinical pathway for diagnosis, from initial testing with an automated reflex panel to the role of gut biopsy and follow-up monitoring (5:10) To learn more, please review the additional resources below for information on our cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine, and wellness offerings as well as educational resources and insights from our team of experts. At Quest Diagnostics, we are committed to providing you with results and insights to support your clinical decisions. Date: May 2026 Speaker(s):  Maeson Latsko, PhD Contributor(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD; Frank Samarro; Adrienne Uzonyi; Aixa Santos; Trisha Winchester, PhD; Additional Resources: Quest Diagnostics Clinical Education Center [Link] Celiac Disease Comprehensive Panel with Gliadin Antibody (IgG) | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics HLA Typing for Celiac Disease | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) Antibody (IgA) | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics IgA | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics Gliadin (Deamidated) Antibody (IgA) | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics References:     Rubio-Tapia A, Hill ID, Kelly CP, Calderwood AH, Murray JA. ACG Clinical Guidelines: Diagnosis and Management of Celiac Disease. Am J Gastroenterol. 2013;108(5):656-676.   Fasano A, Catassi C. Celiac Disease. N Engl J Med. 2012;367(25):2419-2426.   Hill ID, Dirks MH, Liptak GS, et al. Guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of celiac disease in children: recommendations of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2005;40(1):1-19.   Celiac Disease Foundation. Celiac Disease Facts and Figures. Accessed April 15, 2026.