How Is Coeliac Disease Diagnosed?

Screening for coeliac disease is by a blood test to detect the presence of antibodies produced by the coeliac in response to gluten in the diet.

Diagnosis is determined by a small bowel biopsy (called an endoscopy), which is necessary to check whether the lining of the villi of the small intestine has been damaged.

It is imperative that you do not begin a gluten free diet before being tested, as your results will come back negative.

Coeliac disease requires a lifelong abstinence from gluten to prevent the development of malignancy and other associated conditions.

To be screened positively for coeliac disease you must have an endoscopy and biopsy. Once diagnosis is confirmed you will most likely be tested for nutritional deficiencies.