What question did this study set out to answer?

To evaluate the feasibility of capillary blood sampling for screening type 1 diabetes and coeliac disease autoantibodies across all age groups.

February 12, 2026Diabetologia0 citationsOpen Access

Feasibility and performance of minimal-volume capillary blood screening for type 1 diabetes and coeliac disease autoantibodies across all age groups: the UNISCREEN population study

IMIlaria MarzinottoSan Raffaele University of Rome EBElena BazzigaluppiSan Raffaele University of Rome CBCristina BrigattiSan Raffaele University of Rome

Key Points

To evaluate the feasibility of capillary blood sampling for screening type 1 diabetes and coeliac disease autoantibodies across all age groups.
Conducted population-wide screening using minimal volume capillary blood
Applied advanced immunoassay technology for antibody detection
Analyzed age-related differences in antibody levels
Assessed the prevalence of autoantibodies in clinically unaffected individuals
Found a prevalence of 2.3% for islet autoantibodies
Identified 3.2% prevalence for coeliac disease autoantibodies
Noted significant age-related differences in antibody levels
Detected multiple autoantibodies in adults without diabetes, indicating a need for follow-up

Abstract

Population-wide autoimmunity screening across all age groups is feasible using minimally invasive capillary sampling and advanced immunoassay technology. The substantial prevalence of autoimmunity in clinically unaffected individuals (2.3% for islet autoantibodies, 3.2% for coeliac disease autoantibodies) suggests significant opportunities for earlier detection and intervention. Age-related differences in antibody levels and the detection of multiple autoantibodies in adults without diabetes warrant longitudinal follow-up to understand natural history and progression risk in older populations.

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