title: Feasibility of a finger prick-based self-testing kit in first- and second-degree relatives of children with coeliac disease.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess feasibility of a finger prick-based kit as method for self-testing of first and second-degree relatives of coeliac disease (CD) patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total number of 379 subjects were invited to participate in this study, consisting of 197 first-degree and 182 second-degree relatives of CD patients. The self-testing kit (Biocard™) was sent out with included instructions for use. Completed tests were sent back to the study coordinator for assessment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred and ninety-six invited relatives carried out the Biocard™ test at home. Amongst these, 70% were children. In 97% of the cases the test was performed correctly. Three tests revealed a positive result, all of which were later confirmed by serology and histology as coeliac disease.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our study indicates that Biocard™ test is a reliable, easy to use and well-accepted tool for home testing of first- and second-degree relatives of CD patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Judith
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pichler
authors.forename: Matthias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zilbauer
authors.forename: Franco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Torrente
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Heuschkel
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Phillips
authors.forename: Camilla
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Salvestrini
mesh_terms: D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002648:Child; D059026:Diagnostic Self Evaluation; D005190:Family; D006801:Humans; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic
chemical_list: D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic