Diagnosis

Diagnosis of coeliac disease

  • Coeliac disease is a common autoimmune disease affecting 1 in 100 people in the UK
  • Only 36% of people with coeliac disease are currently diagnosed
  • 1 in 4 people with coeliac disease have been previously treated for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • It takes on average 13 years from onset of symptoms to diagnosis of coeliac disease
  • Gluten must remain in the diet before and during testing for coeliac disease
  • NICE recommends total immunoglobulin A (IgA) and tissue transglutaminase IgA as the first choice test in diagnosis
  • For children, a biopsy may not be required in all cases. This decision should be made by a a paediatric gastroenterologist or paediatrician with an interest in gastroenterology
  • In response to the covid-19 pandemic, the British Society of Gastroenterology have published guidance on a no-biopsy strategy for some adults
Print page