Celiac Disease

Tests & Diagnosis

Blood screening tests (EMA or tTG) are fairly reliable indicators of whether or not you have celiac disease. A simple blood test can be done at your doctor's office or home kits can now be purchased at the pharmacy.

It is important to note that celiac disease can only be confirmed -- or ruled out -- by obtaining a tissue sample (biopsy) from the small intestine during gastroscopy. This is a safe procedure in which a slim, flexible telescope is swallowed under sedation. In recent years, blood tests have become more available as a screening test, but small intestinal biopsy is still the most accurate test.

Both biopsy and blood test results may be difficult to interpret if patients have been on a gluten-free diet for a period of time so it is important that you do not stop ingesting gluten prior to these tests.