Save the Date: Celiac Education Day and Free Blood Screening in Chicago

It is time to sign up for the annual celiac disease blood screening day at the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center. This is a wonderful yearly event that allows people who might otherwise not be tested due to insurance restrictions to get tested for free. Pre-registration is required and there are only 500 spots available. Don't delay, register today!

You are eligible for the Blood Screening if:

• You have been on a gluten-containing diet for at least 12 weeks prior to testing
• You have a close family member that has celiac disease or Type 1 diabetes
• You have Down Syndrome;
• You have a related autoimmune condition such as rheumatoid arthritis; Type 1 diabetes
• You have digestive problems, chronic fatigue, osteopenia/osteoporosis; Type 1 diabetes
• You have other related symptoms or conditions

To learn more and to register, please visit www.cureceliacdisease.org. 

Free Celiac Blood Screening in Chicago on November 16th

Every fall, the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center holds a free blood screening to test people who are at risk for Celiac. My friend's daughter got tested and diagnosed with Celiac after this screening in 2013. If you or your loved ones live near Chicago and haven't been tested for Celiac, now is your chance!

According to the Center's website: "You are eligible for this free blood screening if you are at risk for celiac disease and are eating a regular, gluten-containing diet. There is no need to fast before the test. The antibody screening tests for celiac disease are not accurate if one is following a gluten-free diet. If you have removed gluten from your diet, it will typically require that gluten is reintroduced on a daily basis, with at least one serving per day (1/2 slice of bread or a cracker), for at least 12 weeks prior to the antibody blood screening tests. This is sometimes referred to as a gluten challenge, which should only be conducted under a physician’s supervision."

Pre-registration is mandatory, so please visit the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center website today to begin your pre-screeming and registration.

http://www.cureceliacdisease.org/living-with-celiac/screening