Gluten Sensitivity Testing Melbourne
IgA and IgG antibody testing to identify gluten and wheat reactions driving unexplained gut symptoms, fatigue, skin conditions, and inflammation
IgA and IgG
Antibody testing
Blood-Based
Via pathology referral
In-Clinic
Kealba, Melbourne
Telehealth
Available Australia-wide
No referral required. Available in-clinic and via telehealth across Australia.
Coeliac Disease, Gluten Sensitivity, and Wheat Intolerance
Not all reactions to gluten are the same. Three distinct conditions involve gluten or wheat, each with a different mechanism, severity, and management approach. Understanding which one is present requires testing, not assumption.
Coeliac Disease
An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the small intestinal lining in response to gluten. Confirmed through IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody testing and duodenal biopsy. Coeliac disease requires lifelong strict gluten exclusion. If coeliac disease is suspected, it must be confirmed by a gastroenterologist before any dietary changes are made, as removing gluten before testing produces false negatives.
Non-Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity
Symptoms triggered by gluten consumption without the autoimmune mechanism of coeliac disease and without IgE-mediated allergy. Symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, fatigue, brain fog, and skin reactions. The mechanism is not fully understood but involves immune activation and gut permeability. Identified through exclusion of coeliac disease and wheat allergy combined with symptomatic response to gluten removal.
Wheat Intolerance and IgG Reactions
IgG antibody reactions to wheat and gluten proteins represent a delayed immune response that produces chronic low-grade inflammation rather than acute allergic reactions. Unlike IgE-mediated wheat allergy, IgG reactions do not cause immediate anaphylaxis but are associated with chronic gut symptoms, skin conditions, fatigue, and cognitive symptoms that are difficult to attribute to dietary causes without testing.
Symptoms That Suggest Gluten Sensitivity
The following symptoms are commonly associated with gluten and wheat reactions. Their presence does not confirm a gluten-related condition without testing, but they are the presentations most commonly investigated through gluten sensitivity testing at Vital Health.
Bloating and abdominal distension after meals containing gluten or wheat
Cramping, diarrhoea, or constipation with no structural explanation
Nausea and feelings of heaviness after eating
Reflux and upper digestive discomfort
Symptoms that began or worsened after introducing more grains or gluten-containing foods
Fatigue and brain fog following gluten-containing meals
Joint pain and inflammation without a structural diagnosis
Headaches occurring consistently after eating
Skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis herpetiformis
Mood changes and anxiety connected to dietary patterns
Nutrient deficiencies including iron, B12, and folate despite adequate dietary intake
What Gluten Sensitivity Testing Assesses
IgA Anti-Gliadin Antibodies
Measures immune reactivity to gliadin, the primary protein fraction of gluten. Elevated IgA anti-gliadin indicates an immune response to gluten in the gut mucosa. Used as part of the coeliac screen and to assess gluten reactivity in the intestinal immune system.
IgG Anti-Gliadin Antibodies
Measures systemic IgG antibody response to gliadin. IgG reactions are delayed and produce chronic low-grade immune activation rather than acute reactions. Elevated IgG anti-gliadin in the absence of coeliac disease indicates non-coeliac gluten sensitivity or ongoing gluten immune reactivity.
IgA Anti-Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG)
The primary screening marker for coeliac disease. Elevated tTG-IgA indicates the autoimmune response targeting the small intestinal lining. This marker requires gluten to be present in the diet for accurate results. If this marker is elevated, Domenic will refer to a gastroenterologist for duodenal biopsy to confirm coeliac diagnosis.
Total IgA
Measured alongside the coeliac screen to identify IgA deficiency, which can produce false negative results on IgA-based coeliac markers. Approximately 2 to 3% of people with coeliac disease have selective IgA deficiency.
How Gluten Sensitivity Testing Works
Step 1
Consultation
Domenic takes a health history covering your symptoms, dietary patterns, and previous testing. He determines which gluten and wheat markers are most relevant to your presentation and issues a pathology referral.
Step 2
Blood Test
A standard blood draw at a pathology centre near you. No special preparation is required other than continuing to eat gluten-containing foods in the weeks before testing. Removing gluten before testing produces false negative results.
STEP 3
Results Review
Results are reviewed in a consultation with Domenic. He explains what the antibody levels mean, whether further investigation is needed, and what dietary and treatment approach is appropriate based on your specific findings.
Important: Do not remove gluten from your diet before testing. Gluten must be present in the diet for accurate antibody results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gluten sensitivity testing at Vital Health is ordered as part of a naturopathic consultation with Domenic. The blood test is referred to a pathology centre and the cost depends on which markers are included in the panel. Contact the clinic or book a free discovery call for current pricing. Some pathology costs may attract a Medicare rebate depending on the referral.
The coeliac screen including tTG-IgA may attract a Medicare rebate when ordered by a GP or specialist. When ordered as part of a naturopathic assessment, Medicare rebates generally do not apply. Some private health extras policies may contribute toward consultation costs. Domenic can discuss testing options and costs during your free discovery call.
Home gluten sensitivity tests are available but have significant limitations in accuracy and clinical interpretation. The antibody testing used at Vital Health requires a standard blood draw at a pathology centre and clinical interpretation in the context of your symptoms and health history. Home tests do not assess the full range of relevant markers and cannot distinguish between coeliac disease, non-coeliac gluten sensitivity, and IgG-mediated wheat reactions.
Yes. Gluten must be present in the diet for antibody testing to produce accurate results. Removing gluten before testing causes antibody levels to fall, which produces false negative results and may miss a genuine gluten reaction. If you have already removed gluten from your diet, discuss this with Domenic before ordering the test.
A gluten or wheat allergy involves an IgE-mediated immune response causing immediate symptoms including hives, swelling, or anaphylaxis. This is managed by an allergist. Gluten intolerance or sensitivity involves IgA or IgG antibody responses producing delayed, chronic symptoms including gut issues, fatigue, and skin reactions. Non-coeliac gluten sensitivity sits between the two, producing symptoms without an allergic or autoimmune mechanism. The testing approach differs for each.
Book a Gluten Sensitivity Assessment
Book a free 20-minute discovery call with Domenic to discuss your symptoms and whether gluten sensitivity testing is the right next step. Available in-clinic at Kealba or via telehealth across Australia. No referral required.