Free Celiac Testing

[kareng]

Just got a post card about the free testing. This is what the website says about it:

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The University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center will hold another free blood screening on Saturday, October 15, 2011. In addition to screening 500+ people for Celiac Disease--thanks to the generosity of Prometheus Laboratories, Phadia and Rudi's Bakery--our panel of experts will take questions from the audience and exhibitors will showcase delicious gluten free products.

Registration for the screening is required, however, the Q&A and exhibits are open to the public; no registration is required.

Special thanks to Phadia, Prometheus Laboratories and Rudi's.

Annual Free Celiac Blood Screening

Every fall we hold a free, celiac blood screening day to test people who are at risk for celiac disease. Each year we test nearly 500 participants, who come to the University of Chicago from all over the country. Many of the participants would not otherwise have had access to celiac disease testing, either because their doctors refused to carry out the tests, their insurance would not cover the cost or they were uninsured altogether.

You are eligible for the free blood screening if you are at risk for celiac disease. There is no need to fast before the test.

Pre-registration for the screening is required. There are no walk-in registrations. You may register by calling our office at (773) 702-7593. Registration opens on Monday, August 15, 2011. We will require a brief phone consultation before you register, to determine your eligibility.

The blood screening is held on the 4th Floor of the University of Chicago Duchossois Center for Advanced Medicine (5758 S. Maryland Avenue). The test performed is the tTG-IgA, or anti-tissue transglutaminase test. This test is the most sensitive screening test available for celiac disease. Please click here for directions.

The post card also lists what makes you at risk:

-you have been on a gluten-containing diet for at least 12 weeks prior to testing

-You have a close family memeber that has Celiac or Type 1 Diabetes

-You have Down Syndrome

-You have a related autoimmune condition such as rheumotoid arthritis, MS or Addison's

-You have digestive problems, chronic fatigue, osteopenia/osteoporosis

- You have other related symptoms & conditions

[GFinDC]

I think it's great that they do this free testing. Very helpful for people near Chicago, although I don't think the discriminate against people coming from outside the area.