‘Biocard’ coeliac test, Finland, 2009

Biocard Celiac Test, a home test for the detection of coeliac disease, made by ANI Biotech, Finland, c.2009. This test uses IgA auto-antibodies from a blood sample and was purchased from the high street chemist Boots.

‘Biocard’ Celiac Test, Finland, 2009

Coeliac disease is detected using the ‘Biocard’ Celiac Test. This home test is made by diagnostic company ANI Biotech in Finland. Coeliac disease is a bowel condition caused by intolerance to gluten, a protein found in staple foods such as bread, pasta and biscuits. Coeliac disease is actually an autoimmune disease rather than a food intolerance. The body attacks the gluten causing damage to the lining of the gut and produces symptoms such as stomach pain and diarrhoea.

This test identifies whether the disease is present using coeliac disease antibodies, known as IgA auto-antibodies, from a finger prick blood sample. The ‘Biocard’ Celiac Test was bought from high street chemist Boots. Home diagnosis kits such as this have recently caused concern because of the risk of misdiagnosis and self-treatment.